By: Mallory Behrens, Social Media Intern
We can all agree that 2020 has been a year of many unknowns, and much chaos. The Covid-19 global pandemic has thrown a curveball into our lives we were not expecting. This may have put a halt to the resolutions we made at the beginning of this year. As we are quickly approaching 2021, many people are ditching the traditional resolutions such as losing weight or going to the gym. Americans are however, focusing on experiences and according to new research by People Staff, “The survey asked 2,000 nationally-representative Americans about their plans for the new year in light of the stress from 2020 overall and found 71 percent will be focusing on learning life skills or practical goals.” Check out some of the most common new year’s resolutions for 2021!
Saving Money for the Future
- Planning to better budget: Outline a budget that works for you, and make a plan on how you will stick to it. Apps like Mint and You Need a Budget can help you make a successful budget. This upcoming year, many want to be more intentional about their purchases and focus on paying down debts.
- Tracking expenses: Keep track of everything you spend money on and see how even small expenses can add up, especially items like coffee or a “quick bite to eat.”
Learning a New Skill
- Cook one new thing every week: While we do not go to restaurants as much as we used to, making meals at home has become the norm this past year. Cooking doesn’t have to be difficult, keep it simple with these recipes.
- How to speak a new language: Pick a language that seems interesting to you, and a language that would be useful to know in the future. Rosetta Stone can be a very helpful aid in this journey for you.
- Practice self-management: Learn how to keep track of your time using ClickUp. By focusing on how you spend your time, procrastination and arriving late can be a thing of the past.
- Read more books: In a time when staying home and social distancing is important, make reading a new hobby. Find a good book, cozy up, and enjoy it.
Focus More on Experiences
Spending time with family and friends: 2020 has been a year where visiting others is a risk and something we need to be mindful of. With this new year upon us, many are hoping they can make up for the lost time visiting those closest to them.
Traveling more: Many family vacations got cancelled this year and now more than ever, people are itching to get away. In fact, Americans are expected to take an average of two road trips this year.
Limit usage on mobile devices: Instead of checking your emails or checking social media, put your phone down and enjoy all there is to offer in this great life. Use an app, such as ZenScreen, to help you track your usage and set limits for the amount of time spent on your device.
Having a More Positive Outlook on Life
Create a cleaning schedule: Boost your mood, and stay active by cleaning. For the upcoming months, you will spend the majority of the time in your home to stay safe. Keep it tidy because a clean home is a happy home!
Give yourself more compliments: Living through a global pandemic is not easy, but give yourself more credit. You are doing great things and tell yourself that daily. Whether that be writing sticky notes or saying the compliment out loud, to remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and that you are amazing.
The year 2020 is an experience that many people do not want to relive. Society cannot wait to count down to a brand new beginning and tackle the new year with a fresh mindset. Let 2021 bring on renewed motivation after a very idle 2020. And choose resolutions that will best be suited for your amazing journey throughout the better years to come.