I know everybody talks about making resolutions. I also know that most people make resolutions that are either unrealistic or too complicated to last more than a few days.

Trust me, I know all about failed diets and workout plans.

In all honesty, I have never been a fan of resolutions. Mostly because I don’t want to disappoint myself or feel like a failure once again.

But resolutions do not have to be all or nothing. And they certainly do not have to be boring.

New Year’s Resolutions can be a fun and flexible way to work on YOU.

 New Year’s Resolutions You Will Want to Keep

 

Step out of your comfort zone

I am a total worry wart. I overthink everything in my life, from what to wear to whether or not I am making the “right” parenting decisions.

My anxiety makes it hard for me to make new friends sometimes.

Every so often I sign up to help out with the PTA. This is an indirect way to force myself to socialize with new people. It’s scary at first, but I have never regretted it.

I challenge you to try something that scares you.

Start small, go out for a meal alone or talk to a stranger while you wait in line. Whatever works.

See a play or musical performance

We have a beautiful, historical theater here in my hometown. This smallish performing arts center gets some really big name entertainers to come in. Often these shows are one night only and sell out immediately.

Everyone should experience live music and/or theater at some point. There is something magical about spending a couple hours enveloped in a story or great music.

Buy tickets for a local production of some kind. It’ll be worth it.

Take lessons

As an adult we have few opportunities to learn something new. But life can get boring if you just stop learning, you know?

Think of the experiences you could have if you took lessons and learned something completely new.

The possibilities are endless:  scuba lessons, instrument lessons, photography etc.  Personally, I’m thinking about trying my hand at cake decorating. I don’t eat many sweets, but I would love to create beautiful cakes.

Create a self-improvement to-do list

In the new year you will see some posts from me about self-improvement.

I am constantly working to become into a better version of myself.

Take a few minutes to consider what parts of yourself you would like to work on.  Maybe your relationships?  Or maybe you want to take better care of your health?

Write it down for yourself.  Or better yet create a vision board if you are feeling ambitious.

Create New Routines

If there is one thing I know about living with ADHD, it is that we thrive on routine. Even when we think we hate the routine, we need it.

Start with the things in your life that you can control, like your family’s diet.

Over the last few years I have created a meal-planning routine for my family. I have never looked back. Having a routine in place prevents me from being stressed out during the busy weeknights.

Read One new book per week (or month)

Way back in early 2016 I wrote a post about why we should all be reading.  I still stand by that post. Reading is so good for the ADHD brain.  And the mom brain!

We all need an escape from our lives. You will learn from books, which sort of fulfills your resolution to learn something new. It’s like a 2 for 1 deal.

The other thing I love about books is that they help me sleep. Reading helps me to unplug and prepare my brain for sleep. I swear it works. If you are having sleep issues, read.

Start a journal

I am a huge believer in the power of journaling. Women and mothers have so much on our plates, we really need a place to vent our innermost thoughts. Journals are perfect for this.

Put the idea of a childhood journal out of your mind. This is big girl writing for your eyes only.

Forgive Yourself

It took me a long time and a lot of shame to realize that I am not perfect and that is ok. I will never be one of the moms that always has it all together.  I’m a work in progress.

Really embrace who you are without judgment. If it helps, make a list of your strengths so that you can line it up with your weaknesses. You will be surprised what you learn about yourself.

Nobody will ever judge you as harshly as you judge yourself.

One last thought…

Keep your resolutions small and doable

If you think about it, a resolution does not have to be for an entire year.

For example, you can try to plan out your family’s meals for a month. If you absolutely cannot continue, then forgive yourself and move on.  (see above.)

You don’t have to make every proposed resolution. Start with one or two and work from there. Be realistic. The last thing you want is to feel disappointed in yourself.

Think of the New Year as a new beginning. Use the winter as a hibernation period so that in the spring you are like a beautiful butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

Life is good, especially when you have people around you to lift you up.

If you are newly diagnosed and struggling to understand the emotional side of life with ADHD check out my self-paced program, Feel Better Fast. 

Teachable makes it really convenient to learn at your own pace.

Want to talk with me? Make an appointment for a coffee date.