Resolutions During a Pandemic

So…How’re those New Year’s resolutions going for you?

2020 is gone and good riddance… (bah humbug) but everything, meaning our circumstances, didn’t magically change at midnight, at least for most of us. I knew this would be the case, but it is still a good feeling to have 2020 behind me. To be fair, most of us did have some good happy-stances in 2020 and we need to remember those!

I don’t usually make resolutions, but I do take time to reflect on the past year and look forward in the new year. I identify a few goals, one or two specific, but most are general. The goals I found I want to focus on for 2021 were the same as the goals I had for 2020; but that isn’t the case for everyone. There were some interesting differences from last year’s resolutions.

Here are the top resolutions made for 2020:

Here is a survey of goals for 2021 shown in an article by Penn State.

Historically about 50% of those surveyed said they planned to/or had made resolutions for the new year. The Penn State survey shows only about 25% of the participants said they didn’t plan to make resolutions for the new year. 

Many psychologists are saying we may need to give ourselves a break and give grace, regarding resolutions for this year. It’s been tough and we’re experiencing more depression, anxiety and other mental and physical health issues as a result of the pandemic. Along with increased depression and anxiety, we have physical health issues related to limited activity and workspaces that aren’t ergonomically correct as we work from couches, beds, and kitchen tables. 

Some mental health professionals say skip resolutions altogether this year. I understand the thinking. However, having a goal, target or destination is the best way to get somewhere. I do think this year we may need to go small(er). As our social circles have constricted and expanded at the same time, those “improve relationships” goals may need to be adjusted. Setting baby-step goals for resolutions will hopefully give us more experiences of success and accomplishment. We can all benefit from more of these! Check out our blog on goal setting for more ideas.

We have more resources at the LifEdvice Store if you’re working on improving relationships or how you see yourself. Two great resources are Forgive for Real, Six Steps to Forgiving and I Have to Be Perfect, and Other Parsonage Heresies, both by licensed professional counselor, Timothy Sanford. Please also tell us what you’re struggling with or working on and join us at LifEdvice, learning to live life well!