10 New Year’s Resolutions for the Realistic: Small Wins, Big Gains
The idea of New Year’s resolutions usually conjures up images of us setting grand, sky-high goals that, let’s be honest, most of us forget by February. But what if we made resolutions that were realistic, meaningful, and—dare I say—actually doable? This year, I’m here to advocate for the small wins. Little changes can have a bigger impact than we realize, and they’re way more sustainable than deciding to “become a morning person” overnight. Here are my top resolutions for realistic improvements that won’t require you to reinvent yourself in 2025!
1. Make Self-Care Routine, Not a Luxury
Most of us view self-care as an add-on rather than a staple. This year, aim to make self-care something regular, not something reserved for when you’re already running on empty. A good starting point? Carve out 15 minutes each day just for yourself. Whether it’s a walk, reading a chapter of a book (ACOTAR fans please rise!), or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, this small routine can become a grounding moment in your day-to-day.
2. Cut Down on Mindless Screen Time
Instead of cutting out screens altogether (a bit impractical these days), just aim to reduce mindless screen time. Set aside 30 minutes a day without screens—no doom-scrolling, no random app-hopping. Use this time to connect with people in person, work on a hobby, or even just sit and think. It’s amazing how freeing a bit of intentional disconnecting can be.
3. Prioritize Rest as Much as Hustle
It’s tempting to think productivity is the goal, but burnout is the fastest route to feeling unfulfilled. This year, aim to prioritize rest just as much as work. If your to-do list is getting overwhelming, make a “not-to-do” list, too. A small step towards work-life balance can make a huge difference for you in 2025.
4. Add Movement Without the Pressure of “Fitness Goals”
Fitness resolutions are great, but they don’t have to be daunting or extreme. Just aim to move more—whether that’s a short daily walk, dancing in your living room, or a quick yoga stretch between meetings. Moving regularly without the pressure of intense fitness goals helps us keep the joy in exercise.
5. Practice Gratitude, Even in Small Moments
Resolutions don’t all have to be action-based; some are more about mindset. Take a moment each day to focus on one thing you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Maybe it’s your dog’s happy face, a cozy blanket, or a quick text from a friend. This shift can help bring a little more positivity into your routine.
6. Reduce One Unnecessary Purchase a Week
Financial goals are on everyone’s radar in January, but instead of a total budget overhaul, try starting with one small habit. Skip one unnecessary purchase a week and put that money aside. It’s not about being miserly; it’s about slowly rethinking how we spend. You might be surprised by how these small savings add up. As a shopaholic, trust me, it makes a difference!
7. Declutter Without Pressure to Go Full Minimalist
Decluttering doesn’t mean you need to toss everything and live out of a suitcase, but it’s nice to start fresh. Begin by clearing one small area each week—a drawer, a corner of your desk, or a section of your closet. By the end of the year, you’ll have tackled a lot without feeling overwhelmed by a major overhaul.
8. Find a Creative Outlet
Whether it’s journaling, sketching, baking, or crafting, creative expression is a powerful way to unwind. Aim to work on something creative just for the fun of it, once a week. And don’t worry about the end product being perfect—this one’s about the process, not the result.
9. Set Realistic Social Goals
I am the friend who loves cancelled plans, but it’s easy to feel isolated during the holidays, especially when everything’s “go, go, go!” This year, try setting realistic social goals, like reaching out to one friend a week for a catch-up or planning one outing a month. Small, regular interactions can go a long way in keeping connections alive.
10. Practice Patience With Yourself
This one’s essential. Self-improvement is a journey, not a sprint. There’s no need to achieve everything at once. Treat yourself with patience as you move towards your goals. This means no beating yourself up if you don’t nail every resolution perfectly—just get back on track as best you can and keep moving forward.
10 New Year’s Resolutions for the Realistic: Small Wins, Big Gains
Grand gestures are great, but a year of small, consistent wins? Even better. These 2025 resolutions are designed to make life better without overwhelming us with big demands, so here’s to a new year where progress is steady, achievable, and fulfilling. Let’s toast to being the best versions of ourselves by taking it one step at a time.
The Hottest Slang Words to Make You Sound Cool
Extra
I don’t like this slang term. It just sounds silly to me. But, “extra” means “overly dramatic” or “too much.” So, if someone says you’re extra, don’t say, “extra what?” Just tell them that they’re being “extra” for using the term.
Extra
Rent-free
This is kind of a cute one. If you’re crushing on someone, you might say, “Hey, they are living rent-free in my head.” It means you have someone on your mind.
Rent-free.
Cringe
This is an interesting slang term, because it really means the same thing as its traditional definition. If someone says, “That’s so cringe,” they mean something is embarrassing or uncomfortable. Just typing this is kind of cringe for me.
Cringe
Dope
This one isn’t new, but dope is still, well, a dope slang term. It means “awesome.” So, if someone says something you did is dope, it’s a good thing.
Dope
Betty
A “Betty” is an attractive girl or a babe. Someone recently called me a Betty, and I admit that I had to search for the term online to see what the heck they meant. At first, I thought it was an insult.
Betty
OK Boomer
This one is kind of funny. “OK Boomer” is really popular right now, and it’s basically when someone from an older generation is complaining or being condescending towards the younger generation. If someone hates the new music out there, you might say, “OK Boomer,” to them and shrug.
OM Boomer
