Every year I make a list of New Year resolutions that I promise I will keep.
Every year I get about 3 weeks deep, and then slowly fall off.
It’s nothing intentional. Life just gets in the way.
This year I am more determined than EVER to make these intentions (a wise friend explained to me the difference between an intention and resolution and why).
Resolution v. Intention 101
A resolution is defined as “a firm decision to do or not to do something”; whereas an intention is defined as “an aim or a plan”. Off the bat, the definition of an intention is less stressful, right?
Intentions don’t bear with them the pressure that you’d normally feel when setting a goal or resolution. Not that intentions are any less important, they are just less stressful.
Brain Dump
My starting point is a brain dump list of items that occurred over the past year that I would like to change. This list is high-level, but a starting point.
Once I have those items down on paper, I try to outline what steps I would need to check that intention off. Not everything goes as planned…so is life.
BUT this practice gives me a better view what I would like and how I could get to the finish line.
You can go the traditional pen and paper route (I personally have a thing for stationary and colored pens) with these fun items:
- Erasable colored pens
- Pencils
- Lined notepads
I also like to jot notes down while on the
Accountability Accessories
Once I’ve completed my list(s), I calendar everything out in a planner.
Block out time for your intentions, just as you would for meetings and doctor appointments. By blocking out the time, you are allocating the importance needed to succeed!
There are so many types of planners out there, so do your planner due diligence to find the one that works best for your needs.
Of course you can go the electronic route. Some of my favorite electronic planners are:
- Cozi
- Google Calendar
- Zoho
If you know me, you know that I love my paper planners. I’ve tried so many different ones, so I consider myself a self-proclaimed expert. Here are some of my favorites:
- Be Healthy Every Day: a super fun life planner and
52 week motivational calendar and sticker planner that helps me set goals for and stick to positive habits. Created by Maria Marlowe, a certified integrative nutrition healthcoach, has been featured in InStyle, The New York Times, and Dr. Oz! - The Happy Planner: I use this one for everyday planning – both business and personal tasks. I love that you can take out and input pages as needed.
- Erin Condren Life Planner: Another gorgeous option, the Life Planner is extremely well thought-out and constructed.
Just Do It!
You’ve written down what’s most important to you this year. Time has been blocked out on your calendar. Now what?
Make sure that you’ve eliminated all obstacles (that are humanly possible) to obtain your goals. The reason I mention this is because even though I add these things to my calendar, I need to make sure that everyone in the family is accounted for.
If it is a Pilates or other exercise class, I make sure the hubby will be home or that I have coverage for kid sitting.
If you’ve planned a girl’s day, ladies night out, or date night, make sure you have the sitters scheduled! My parents are super hands on and often available for hanging with the boys, but there are times when I need other reinforcements.
Ask for referrals from your friends or opt for a professional service such as Sittercity. They take the legwork by performing detailed background checks, personal recommendations, and ratings and reviews. Use the promo code “
Good luck with your New Year resolutions – or intentions! Please reach out if you have any questions and be sure to keep me updated on your progress!
Explore The 6 says
Needed this post today. Every year I make a few resolutions and by March they are no longer, thanks for the reminder 🙂
Dana says
My pleasure!
Sara says
I just purchased a planner from Anthropologie and have all the important dates already listed. It is so helpful!
Dana says
I love Anthro so I can only imagine how amazing the planner is!
Kim Seghers says
I have been wanting to get a planner for a while now! I’ll have to check these out!
Dana says
Kim, all three are great 🙂
Clare @ Oh These Are The Good Old Days says
oh those pilot pens are so pretty i want to reach through the screen and open them up! i am using erin condren right now. xx
Dana says
Clare, you have great taste in planners! You should definitely try those pens – I love them!
SJ says
Ah! Thank you so much for this! And for the recommendations at the end!
Dana says
My pleasure!!
leah says
aww such great tips, I love my planner…it keeps me sane!
Dana says
I love my planner too! 🙂
Kara says
I have made a resolution to do more exercise rather than lose weight as I am more likely to stick to that
Maggie Unzueta says
These are great advises! Everyone should read this especially those who hardly reaching their goals. I personally love the planner!
Dana says
Thanks, Maggie! I love my planners!! 🙂
Everything Mummy says
Great tips, love the idea of a brain dump to figure out what you really want to achieve so much better than throwing out unrealistic plans.
Dana says
Thank you!
Catherine Santiago Jose says
I bought a new journal for me to use on this year and I also wrote down my new year resolutions which are having more time with my husband and with my kids and achieving those goals that are I am not able to achieve yet.
Elaine says
I second The Happy Planner! I got my first one a few months ago and have loved using it! Not sure why I was so resistant to buying one because it has truly helped me where other planners have fallen short.
A Infinite Step says
Never gonna happen with me 🙁 I have never been able to keep any of my resolutions! My New Year Resolutions fades within the 1st 1-3 months 😀
Dana says
LOL, at least you are straightforward – right?
Marilyn says
A brain dump is something that is very helpful fornsure. It’s one thing I can actually rely on and stick with .
Dana says
Agreed, Marilyn!
Lisa says
It’s so hard to stick to resolutions, but this year I’m determined to try! I need this planner!
Stephanie Jeannot says
I think that of you have the intention to do something there is a good chance of keeping your commitments.
Dana says
I agree, Stephanie!
Monidipa Dutta says
A New Year’s resolution is a promise a person makes for the new year. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal is to improve life in the coming year.
Ola says
I don’t really make NY resolutions. I goal set each month. For me that makes them more attainable and a lot less forgettable.
Dana says
I like the idea of monthly goals!
Sophia says
Planning and follow through are key when it comes to New Years resolutions. Through taking all these steps it is mapping out how you plan to get everything done which makes it more likely for people to keep them.
Dana says
Exactly, Sophia!
bestiesnotepad says
I cannot agree more with you. All these tools and tips are sure to keep resolutions intact. Great post, thanks for sharing!
Dana says
I’m glad you liked the post!
Cindy Ingalls says
I recently heard a story on the news that people who spend money on their resolutions are more likely to keep them. I thought this was so interesting, but it makes sense. The more you invest in something, the great your intention of following through.
Dana says
I can totally see that, Cindy. Sometimes when people put money where their mouth is, per say, they are more apt to follow through.
Dhemz says
How lucky of you to have your parents nearby and ready to help you with your kids! I’ll try to commit at least 2 of my long list of resolutions for 2019. Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
You can totally do it! Good luck!
Shannon Gurnee says
I haven’t made a New Year’s Resolution in a long time. This year, I made one. I took what I went through in 2018 and tried to deal with it in a more positive way.
Jenn says
These resolutions are getting harder and harder to keep.
I try to do realistic ones and don’t beat myself that much when I dont accomplish them.
Good luck keeping yours!
Dana says
I am with you, Jenn. I think we are too hard on ourselves and have to be a bit more realistic when it comes to intentions and resolutions!
Karen Monica says
I always have trouble fulfilling my new year resolutions. So a few years back I started with new year goals. And I am more motivated to reach to those goals. Good luck on your resolutions but just don’t be too hard on yourself.
Dana says
Thanks, Karen! Good luck with your 2019 goals!
Dani Flanders says
I love your differentiation between a resolution and an intention. I think I have a combination of both for this year 😉 Two main resolutions and a couple of intentions that I want to work on 🙂
Dana says
Dani, I wish you the best of luck – you can do it!!
London Mumma says
Every year I make then end up never seeing mine through. This year I know what I want and need to do.
Dana says
Good luck in 2019!!
Dr. K. Lee Banks says
Great strategy for establishing and implementing goals for intentional living. I have my list and I have my planners – still need to actually organize everything, as you have outlined. Hopefully that will happen this weekend!
Tasheena says
I really enjoyed reading this post. These tips are really helpful. I love using my planner to stay on top of things.
Silviya/forthebabywithlove says
I believe that making new year resolution is something that everyone need to do! It’s really important! For me, this giving me motivation and makes me keep going, learning and continue growing, both, personally and professionally!
melissa chapman says
I rarely make resolutions because I know I always break them. This was a good way to plan the year and keep these as long as possible.
Destany says
My resolution is always to be more kind! One year I got all the way to September before I lost my temper! haha
Lori Bosworth says
I do make resolutions each new year and I usually keep some of them. I like the concept of the intention vs. the resolution… much less pressure!
Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women says
It is so typical with most of us, that we make and then fail to keep our new year’s resolutions. What starts out as great enthusiasm just wains over time and then grinds to a complete halt. I love the tools you have shared here to at least give us a fighting chance of sticking to our guns and achieving some of them! Best wishes to you for 2020.
Amber Myers says
I don’t really bother with resolutions. I have some goals, but if I don’t make them, it’s okay. I normally do a blog post on things I resolve NOT to do. Like give up Diet Coke 😉
Natalie says
These are great tips! I think physically writing them down and placing them somewhere I look daily would hold me accountable.
Sue Reddel says
I’ve got my planner ready. We’re taking a day off later this week to set our business and personal goals. These tips will sure help, thanks!
Brandy Ellen Writes says
So many people fail with their New Year’s resolutions. I bet this will help many keep those resolutions this year. I hope so!
Kathy says
I never seem to do to well with keeping up with my resolutions. I started one before the new year this time and so far I’m doing well. I’m still working on thinking of some resolutions for the new year.
Stuff Around The Web says
My resolution for 2020 would be to do exercise and stay fit for sure!!!
Dana says
Good luck with your resolutions!!
Beth says
A few years ago I bought myself a pretty planner. Unfortunately, I was reluctant to write in it and ruin the prettiness, so it is still unused.
Chef Dennis says
I’m definitely going to need a new planner! Lots will be going on next year. I will check this out.
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
It is crazy to think that next week we will be in the 20’s! I am really looking forward to the new decade.
Tomi C says
Just do it! Best advice ever to conquering New Years resolutions! I think sometimes we exhaust so much energy into planning that we fail to implement.
Dana says
You are so right! There are times I stumble over my own feet instead of walking one foot in front of the other and implement!
Elizabeth O says
I chuckled at your opening because it is a very human quality to procrastinate. You are definitely ready for 2020. My advice to everyone is just go do it.
Heather says
Instead of New Year resolutions, we make “goals”. For some reason, it’s much easier to attain them and gives us something to work toward.
Sarah Bailey says
I have to admit I gave up making resolutions as I never kept them, however, perhaps with these tips I should give it another go.
the joyous living says
oh man. i always love when you post about journals. i just got my 2020 journal and need to come up with some resolutions. joy
Stephanie crazylittlelovebirds says
I currently keep a planner, and I write reminders, and daily activities in it as well. I have two journals as well. Normally I pick something that I want to achieve and make it a goal to complete. It’s been working so far. Thanks for this post, and tips!
Dana says
My pleasure, Stephanie! Happy New Year and good luck with your resolutions!
Barbies Beauty Bits says
Great tips. Writing this down really helps me. The key for my resolutions is not to set far fetched goals, that are to solve a negative. Ends up feeling forced.
Emman Damian says
I usually put a list of things I really want to achieve for the year. I tick them off once it is done. It’s goal setting for me and making it a reality.
Surekha-dreamingloud.com says
Such a great planner,thanks for sharing about this. I always break my resolutions at the middle of the year. I bet this would be helpful.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I am really loving those wonderful planners. I’m sure I will be needing a new one for next year!
Karen Morse says
This is exactly why I love keeping a planner or a journal. It helps me with organizing everything in my life. From my plans to my finances.
Stephanie says
I picked up a planner this year for Christmas from me to me. I’ll have to try to keep my new Year Resolution this year
Dana says
Good luck with your resolutions, Stephanie!
Amy H says
I am horrible at keeping New Year Resolutions! Maybe this year will be my year to keep at least one!
Razena says
I have never been this organised with New Years Resolutions, Intentions or goals and that may be where the problem lies. Thanks for the tips and advice on how to do better.
tweenselmom says
I’m excited to do my New Year’s Resolution but for a change I’m doing my 12 things, goals of 12 things that will help me enjoy life better and nourish myself at the same time.
Myrah Duque says
I am so bad at keeping New Year’s resolutions! I really would love to do the weight loss thing again!
Christopher Mitchell says
I think the brain dump is really valuable in a number of circumstances. It just helps to reset a bit before the arrival of the New Year!
Alexis says
I love planning as well! The Kate Spade planner is my favorite to use for calendaring and I brain dump in a regular composition notebook.
Laura says
I needed this post! I have always hard time keeping my new year resolutions x
Lily says
Honestly I don’t participate in New Years Resolutions. I personally make life goals but this is helpful to those who do want to make a resolution for the year.
Elicit Folio says
Thank you so much for the inspo! I plan to start writing down my goals today, and this article as just the boost I need to spark my imagination for goal setting!
Dana says
My pleasure! Good luck with your goal setting!
Kiwi says
I havent personally made a New Year resolution in a long time. This is a helpful list to keep people who are serious about top of the year resolutions to keep it going throughout the year.