The practice of setting a New Year’s resolutions doesn’t have to just be for adults, kids can join in too! Instead of making a list of “I wish I could” goals, think about using one word to focus in on what you want more of in your life in 2024 like joy, fun, success, security, peace, or community. Your word and its meaning will be unique to you and where you are in your life right now. It can become your north star throughout the year, helping you make intentional decisions that bring you closer to your goal. This practice can is fun and meaningful for adults and kids and a great way to introduce goal setting.
How does this one word approach vary from the traditional resolution setting process?
- Relieves the Pressure
Choosing a big-picture word rather than creating a to-do list of individual goals releases you from the pressure of the traditional resolution. There’s no pressure of going to the gym to lose weight, signing up for yet another project manager to get organized, or searching for a new way to become debt-free.
2. Helps You Stay Present
Your word can help you bring more into your life by staying present in your life. Is your word peace, happiness, love, joy? Whatever your word is, you always have the opportunity to choose that state of being, no matter what is going on around you. No, it’s not easy. It takes self-awareness, often personal growth, and clear intention to get there and that’s the power of it
3. Works as a Guide
Your word isn’t just a nice idea, it can actually make a difference in your life. As you move through the year, keep it top of mind as you make small and big decisions. The core question is “Does this move me closer to _____ or farther away from _____?”
4. Kids Can Join in Too
It’s easy to have kids choose a word too. Ask kids to think of things that are important to them that they can feel but can’t touch like kindness, happiness, sharing, friendship, love, etc. Make a list, using words for the readers and pictures for the non-readers, and give them time to think about the words and choose one that best fits them. This can become their goal for the upcoming year, helping to shape their behavior choices.
Wishing you a wonderful new year full of _____ (you get to choose!).
