Title: Set Sails for Success: 14 Resolutions for an Exceptional 2023
As the remnants of the alleged apocalypse fade into the rearview mirror, it's time to turn our attention to the horizon and the promise of a brand new year. This annual tradition of setting resolutions dates back to the ancient Babylonians, who would make promises to their gods in order to secure favor for the year ahead. Fast forward to 2013, and the spirit of self-improvement fueled by those Babylonian vows is still alive and well.
The Greatist Team is committed to living a life centered around health, happiness, and fitness, and we're no strangers to the idea that we could all stand to make better choices. So, in the spirit of perpetual personal evolution, we've collectively declared to run a little more, stress a little less, and introduce some healthy new habits to our lives.
David Tao - Write More, Learn More
My plan for the new year is to expand my literary repertoire by tackling more topics than ever before. And rest assured, this doesn't necessarily mean every scribbled thought will see the light of day. But in honing my craft and gaining a deeper understanding of my chosen subjects, I firmly believe that the best way to create something others will enjoy is by delving headfirst into the material.
Alexis Demetra - Run a 10K, Act More, Meet Some Peeps
I'm setting my sights on completing a 10k run in 2012, with a little help from my father - a former marathon runner - and a potential Greatist Challenge. In addition to pushing my physical limits, I aim to attend more auditions and network more within my city. To foster this new social life, I've made it my mission to embrace every invitation that comes my way.
Becky Berowski - Cut Some Sugar, Cook for Friends
My first resolution for the coming year is to curb my sugar addiction. My cherished gummy worms have long wreaked havoc on my complexion, so I've decided to make a concerted effort to cut down on the sweet stuff. I'm also dedicated to spending more time in the kitchen, cooking up healthy creations for my closest friends. Not only does this mean fewer calories from restaurant portions, but it's an excellent opportunity to express my affection without uttering the words, "I love you."
Sophia Breene - Drink More (Water)
The perennial resolution to drink more water has once again claimed a space on my to-do list. As I hunt for the secret to perpetual health, hydration seems like the answer. Unfortunately, the concept of "shock and awe" hydration has yet to materialize, leaving me grappling with a seemingly inescapable headache. But with a little discipline and determination, I'm determined to turn over a new leaf.
Nicole McDermott - Floss, Appreciate More, Listen
My New Year's resolutions include dedicating more time to flossing - beyond January 14th, of course. I'm also pledging to express my gratitude for friends and family more openly and truly listen when they share their stories.
Laura Newcomer - Focus on Intentions
I've never been much of a resolution maker, preferring to initiate change when I'm genuinely ready instead of striving for unwarranted self-improvement. But this year, I'm going to try something new: setting an intention to live in a way that is authentic and centered on honesty, compassion, and self-awareness.
Shana Lebowitz - Gain Some LBs, Lift some LBs
Over the past year, I've embarked on a mission to gain some weights, both in terms of body mass and strength. But hitting the gym is no small feat for someone who gets easily intimidated by grunting and sweating. My team at Greatist, however, has been a source of inspiration, emboldening me to take the leap and work towards better health.
Derek Flanzraich - File Some Sh*t
As much as I'd love to proclaim a lofty resolution, the truth is that I've gotten pretty good at one specific task: organizing the mass of documents I've accumulated into an old FreshDirect box - shhh, don't tell anyone. My goal for the coming year is to finally file this stash for real, proving that even the smallest of resolutions can make a significant impact.
Laura Schwecherl - Train with a Plan, Stay Positive
I've decided to focus on my fitness in 2013, choosing either to obtain that coveted six-pack or transform into the next Kim Kardashian (backup plan, in case the first doesn't work out). And to help me achieve this goal, I intend to follow a training plan and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of winter's icy grip.
Jordan Shakeshaft - De-stress, Unplug, Breathe
Last year, I dedicated my time to rehabilitating a back injury and spent Christmas day on my living room floor. This year, I want to shift my focus to mental health, taking time to de-stress, unplug, and breathe when New York's relentless pace threatens to consume me.
Kate Morin - Give a Little Extra Love
I'm not much of a resolution person, and I've found that setting impossible expectations often leaves me feeling defeated. This year, however, I've resolved to show a little extra love to the people that matter most in my life, whether it's through handmade cards, thoughtful gestures, or unexpected visits.
Laura Culhane - Keep in Touch
My simple, yet effective resolution for the new year is to make a more concerted effort to stay in touch with the people that text me throughout the day. It may not sound like much, but I've realized that I tend to let messages pile up while I get caught up in my work. In the coming year, I plan on dedicating a section of my day to responding to these messages and ensuring that the people I care about most feel connected.
Rebecca Garcia - Practice Yoga Regularly, Ditch the Clutter
I've found both meditation and yoga to be incredibly beneficial, and I aim to continue practicing both regularly in the new year. By integrating these practices into my daily routine, I hope to foster a calmer, more mindful existence. I also plan on simplifying my life by one item at a time, adopting a minimalist philosophy. It's a small step, but one that I believe will lead to a more contented, balanced existence.
Zachary Sniderman - Hang With Buds
One of my simple, yet impactful resolutions for the coming year is to prioritize spending time with my friends. The demands of work and life can often make it difficult to carve out time for those who truly matter, but I've realized that saying yes to even the smallest of get-togethers can make a huge difference.
As we usher in the new year, let's carry the spirit of the ancient Babylonians with us, making promises to ourselves and striving for personal growth. Who knows? If we're lucky, we might just avoid any cataclysmic apocalypses along the way.
[1] Cornell University. (n.d.). History of New Year's Resolutions. [Online]. Available at: https://www.cornell.edu/library/compare-cultures/online-exhibits/history-new-years-resolutions[2] Manktelow, I. (2018, January 1). The History of New Year's Resolutions. [Online]. Available at: https://www.history.com/news/history-of-new-years-resolutions[3] Smithsonian Magazine. (n.d.). New Year's Resolutions Through History. [Online]. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-years-resolutions-through-history-180961036/[4] It's All About Rome. (n.d.). The Roman New Year: Kalends, Nones, and Ides. [Online]. Available at: https://itsallaboutrome.com/the-roman-new-year-kalends-nones-and-ides/[5] The History Blog. (n.d.). The Ancient Babylonian New Year, Akitu. [Online]. Available at: https://thehistoryblog.com/2011/12/30/the-ancient-babylonian-new-year-akitu/
In adhering to the spirit of self-improvement, David Tao has resolved to expand his literary repertoire by delving deeper into various topics to create more enjoyable content. By setting resolutions this year, Alexis Demetra aims to complete a 10k run, attend more auditions, and network within her city to foster new social connections. Becky Berowski has resolved to curb her sugar addiction and cook healthy meals for her friends to express her affection without spoken words. In the pursuit of personal evolution, many individuals set resolutions to improve their mental health, such as Sophia Breene's determination to drink more water for better health, Nicole McDermott's pledge to floss more often, and Laura Newcomer's focus on living authentically and centering her life on honesty and compassion.
