I had blocked today. When building out the blog calendar and scheduling upcoming posts, I knew I wanted to save some time around the new year to talk about new goals. It’s all that’s been on anyone’s mind lately it seems.
I’ve felt conversations shift over the last week. We’ve shared our highlight reels. We’ve reflected on what went well in 2024 and what didn’t. And now, we’re asking each other what comes next.
What do we want more of in 2025? What do we want less of? Are you setting any resolutions? Are you doing any challenges for the first month of the year? Dry January. Veganuary. [Insert specific workout regime here.]
When I start thinking about the new year, I find it is helpful to break things down. I might have a yearly book goal, but I know about what rhythm of reading will keep me on track. I might have an idea of how many miles I want to log this year while also knowing that some months will bring more running than others. Not everything can be easily averaged.
But last year, I tried something new. “A Tangible Challenge,” I called it and each month I took an in-person class around a topic I knew nothing about. I wasn’t sure how it would go but I quickly fell in love with the monthly cadence. I gave myself a simple 30 day resolution. And then I repeated it 12 times in a row.
As I sat with myself in the last week of the year, thinking about the things I want to accomplish in 2025, I found myself appreciating my daily routines that keep my body and mind healthy and well. I found myself also dreaming of the long term projects that will be chiseled away at over the next 365 days. And then I thought of my months.
What resolutions could I set for myself that could be maintained in a 30 day period over and over again. As you sit with your own dreams, I invite you to think about what you might accomplish once every 30 days.
Maybe you want to cultivate your independence and decide that each month you will take yourself out on a solo adventure. Do you want to be more social? How about monthly game or movie nights with your friends? Maybe you and your partner want to learn more about art history. Could you have a monthly museum date?
Whether you’re focused on health or hobbies, cooking or career, traveling or time management, romance or rest, or finance or friendships, there is a way to mold your months into something that works for you.
The start of the year can be as daunting as it is exciting. Don’t feel like you’re out of luck if it takes you a couple weeks to get warmed up. Just think of something fun you’d love to do 12 times this year. And then build your plan to bring it to life.
