20 for 2020: How to Make Your Resolutions Last The Year
As we ring in the new year, this a perfect time to reflect on 2019 and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished! With the New Year comes resolutions, often ones of healthy habits and setting distinct goals. But how might you make those resolutions last past January?
Although resolutions aren’t always taken seriously, it seems that humans have had plenty of practice for centuries! Over 4,000 years ago, ancient Babylonians would maintain celebrations in honor of the new year linked to agricultural seasons, and this tradition continued with the Romans and other ancient civilizations, including religious groups.
These days, most people tend to make resolutions with themselves, primarily on self-improvement. Resolutions are all about trying new activities and setting greater intentions. We’ve compiled a few goal-setting strategies to help you plan for 2020 as you put your best foot forward!
20 for 2020
“20 for 2020” is the idea of putting a list together of 20 things you’d like to accomplish in 2020! It’s activities, tasks, relationships, or places you commit to do, build, or see. A 20 for 2020 list is a great way to expand your goals across the entire year.
When considering what you want to strive for in the new year, ask yourself a few questions:
What’s something I’ve always wanted to do?
What’s something I’ve always wanted to try?
Where’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go?
These will encourage you to get creative with ideas of what you’re looking to improve! What are some purposeful activities you might get involved with during the new year to help bring you closer to your goals?
Executing Your Action Items
While developing a list for 2020, try creating a tangible plan that you’d like to implement. Define how you’re going to do a specific activity or go to a particular destination. Focusing on the “how” instead of the “what” tends to have better results. In doing so, creating a routine and structure around goals is the best way to execute them.
Psychologist Dr. Gail Matthews conducted a study in 2015 which determined that those who wrote down their goals, and were specific regarding “when”, “how”, and “with whom,” were 33% more successful in achieving them than those who formulated outcomes mentally. Additionally, by writing down a plan that states exactly when and where an activity or goal is to take place, participants were more likely to follow through, which are referred to as “implementation intentions” (Clear).
For example, saying “I’m going to exercise more” is a great start, but saying, “I’m going to exercise on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before work,” creates accountability and discipline to get closer to the outcome!
Your Theme For 2020
Another excellent idea is setting the tone for your new year. Come up with one word that you feel connected to that encompasses your goals. Some examples are, “Purpose” and “Strength”.
Gretchen Rubin, Author of The Happiness Project and Host of The Happier Podcast, prompts listeners to focus on one word that sums up what they want to focus on during the new year. Start implementing your word as a daily intention in order to immerse yourself in your goals. Besides, one word is a lot easier to remember compared to a whole list!
Travel Someplace New
The Dalai Lama stated, “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.'' Traveling is almost always on bucket lists each year. How can you make it happen? Options may include taking a road trip, re-visiting your favorite location, or traveling someplace overseas!
Pictured: Excursion to Huacachina, Ica, Peru
What better way to focus on an opportunity of a lifetime than making it a goal to study abroad in 2020-21! Living overseas is one of the most valuable things a student can do for themselves! For those interested in studying abroad, EdOdyssey is here to help! With our amazing study abroad program in Lima, Peru, you’re bound to have an authentic experience exploring South America!
Visit our Study Abroad page for more information on location, culture, curriculum, and how you can apply today! As you prepare for all that 2020 has in store, all of us here at EdOdyssey send best wishes to you for the start of the new year!
Sources
“Chapter 4: Achieve Your Goals: Research Reveals a Simple Trick That Doubles Your Chances for Success.” Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: an Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, by James Clear, Random House Business Books, 2018.
Matthews, Gail. “Goal-Setting Is Linked to Higher Achievement.” Goals Research Summary, Dominican University of California, 2015, www.dominican.edu/academics/lae/undergraduate-programs/psych/faculty/assets-gail-matthews/researchsummary2.pdf.