I used to be one to mock New Year’s resolutions. They seemed cliche and didn’t seem to accomplished anything other than making the gym really busy for the first couple months of the year. January 1st seemed like an arbitrary date, and I couldn’t understand why people didn’t make whatever lifestyle changes they felt like making on any other day. In short, I was a total New Year’s Scrooge.

However, the more New Years I’ve experienced, the more I’ve come to see the benchmark significance of a new year. Starting another year really does feel like turning over a new leaf — you get a crisp, new calendar with nothing written in it yet (mine is from the Target dollar store and I’m currently getting ready to scribble my plans all over it), the months start over, and you get to write a different year on everything you date. It is the perfect opportunity to look back on the year you’ve had, look forward to a new year full of possibilities, and think of how you’d like your life to be different.

I am also someone who likes to have things written down, which makes having a list of resolutions all the more appealing to me. I’ve found that distilling whatever personal, financial, relational, or professional goals I may have into small, achievable steps makes them seem more doable, and increases the likelihood that I will actually do them! Having a tangible list is also fun to look back on, especially if you find it years later.

While I still promote self-reflection and adjustment at any time of the year, I see the appeal of making these changes in a brand new year. So, without further ado, here are my resolutions, in no particular order:

• Drink at least 8 cups of water per day
• Read 15 books (I think I can do more, but I am resolving to do 15!)
• Create a capsule wardrobe for each season & purge the rest
• Take an international trip
• Get organized in the new house (closets, basement, kitchen storage)
• Read through the New Testament (these books don’t count toward my 15)
• Host more events at our house – practice hospitality
• Play all of the games we own at least once
• Go to bed & wake up earlier
• Refinish at least one piece of furniture

Do you find New Year’s resolutions helpful or cliche? I’d love to hear current or past resolutions you’ve made!