Happy New Year: The 12 Part New Years Resolution

New Year's Resolutions. Everybody has them, everybody starts out well on them. Some people succeed longer than others, some succeed fully and others fall at the first hurdle. Why do most New Years resolutions revolve around giving something up? Whether it’s to go on a post-Christmas diet or to get in shape for summer, it usually means something is sacrificed for something most people consider less fun or see as a chore.

Well here’s a different take on a New Years resolution; instead of giving something up, how about resolving to start something new?

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so I’m testing out a steady 12 part resolution theory, which admittedly does involve me giving something up, but for every thing I stop doing, I’ll be swapping it it for starting something new. So, as an example, starting January 2nd, I’ve resolved to get to the gym minimum 2 times per week, not including my regular PT sessions, and will stop eating crisps and pizza (my main weaknesses). Come February, I want to cut out chocolate and sweets, and instead (using the money saved from less chocs, sweets, pizza and crisps) put away £10 per day. I’ll also aim to increase going to the gym, to 3 times per week minimum.

The target to save £10 per day serves a greater purpose as well because I’m trying to save up for a trip I’ve had on my to-do list a while now and will finally get to do in 2021. So it’s motivation for travel and health goals all rolled into one, without feeling like I’m giving something up.

I haven’t made up my mind on the other 10 parts of the resolution, but I thought I’d give this a try so that it’s a more achievable goal split into baby step targets.

What are your New Year's resolutions and what do you think of my unconventional approach? Let me know in the comments below - I always appreciate feedback.