22 Resolutions for 2022 - Heart & Stripes

Listen, we all go into the new year with resolutions. Most of the time we barely make it past the first month before those are lost in the wind like a distant memory. Every year we swear that this year will be different…but is it? No! However, I have come to realize that we always use the same resolutions and never think to come up with new ones. Well, let me help this year!

Here are 22 resolutions that I personally have come up with for myself and think that they could also help you. Now, I might be trying to implement all 22 but you can pick just a few or even just one to steer you on the right path to a great 2022.

1. Do a 365 Day Challenge

A couple years ago I got a very nice camera as a gift from my husband. I absolutely love it; however, I have no idea how to work all the functions. So, a 365-day photo challenge will allow me to play around with it as well as capture a year worth of memories. You don’t have to do a photo challenge, maybe you want to do a 365-day prayer challenge. You decide!

2. Start Writing a Book

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to everyone, but wouldn’t it be so awesome to write a book. There are so many options for self-publishing these days that you could have a book with your name on the front. It’s always been a dream of mine and it’s something I am tackling this year.

3. Revamp a Project

My revamp is my blog/website. I have things I want to add to the site as well as posts that I can definitely update. There might even be a new look in the works! I am sure there is something you can revamp as well. It may be a piece of furniture or even your own website. Either way, let’s revamp together.

4. Read More Books

You are either a reader or you aren’t. It’s a lesson I have come to learn being married to my husband. He is not a reader and never understands why I have a steady stream of books being delivered. However, I have learned that he can handle audiobooks so gifted him an audible subscription for his birthday. Maybe you could do a podcast or audiobooks if you don’t like reading.

5. Pay Off Debt

Honestly, I don’t think this should be overlooked by anyone. It should be an automatic New Year Resolution for everyone. We are fast approaching the time when my husband will retire from the military so paying off any debt we have is a huge goal/resolution for both of us.

6. Start a New Hobby

I have considering starting a podcast. Although, I don’t know if there is an audience or even what I would talk about but you never know until you try right? I also made custom tumblers prior to moving overseas as well. My tumbler making blew up into a huge business. The point is trying something new just might turn into something big that you love doing. Give it and yourself a shot.

7. Declutter Your Home

Make a list of all the rooms in your home and tackle one a month. Breaking them down into small tasks and doing one a month allows for more time for the task and for you not to feel overwhelmed.

8. Start Meal Planning and/or Prepping

Meal planning helps get the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question off your plate. It allows for you to grocery shop with exactly what you need in mind as well. The prepping part would give you more free time in the evenings as well. I like meal planning and prepping because it helps me to plan out healthier meals which in turns helps my mental health.

9. Workout More

Let’s be honest, we all need to fit in a few more workouts. I have slacked a lot the past 8 months so I’m reaching for at least 3 times a week in 2022.

10. Family Night Weekly

Our kids have a ton of board games, and they are always asking to play them in the middle of the week. I think having a dedicated night for games and/or a movie each week is not only great for them but us adults as well.

11. Set a Schedule

As a stay-at-home mom, after I drop the kids off I end up doing whatever I think needs to be done for the day. Don’t take that as I just sit on my butt though! I am always busy but never feel accomplished. Having a weekday schedule will definitely help me to not only feel accomplished but also give my brain direction. You can also do a schedule for your cleaning. Here is one that I’ve created.

12. Send a Friend Something Once a Month

Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a small little surprise or even an eatable arrangement, sending something to a friend as a surprise will lift their spirit as well as your own.

13. Limit Social Media

I don’t think I need to explain this one but for your mental health as well as your family….spend less time on Social Media/your phone!

14. Create a Plan

When my husband retires from the military, I want to start a business. I already know what that business is, and I actually have my business degree. Since we are getting closer to that time, I need to create my business plan. You may not want to start a business but maybe you want to find a new job or new career. This is your opportunity to create a plan!

15. Plan Your Vacation

Our family typically only has time for one vacation a year. Work for my husband doesn’t allow for much time off. So this year I am planning our vacation and giving him plenty of notice to get his leave on the books so no one can say no! Plus, planning ahead means more options!

16. Make Your Bed Every Morning

If you don’t know why for this one then check out the book by William H. McRaven.

17. Drink More Water

No brainer on this one! It’s a simple yet very difficult task! It’s easy to down my morning Monster Energy drink but somehow, I struggle drinking enough water! (Insert face palm emoji)

18. Start a New Side Hustle

Do you have a Cricut machine and can create stickers or make shirts? Do you want to buy a laser cutter and create beautiful, engraved products? Maybe you want to start making custom tumblers. For me, I plan to add a digital product section to my website so be on the lookout!

19. A Date Day/Night Each Month

You have to make time for your significant other. We struggle with date nights because we are very picky about who watches our kids. So instead, we do date days. My husband takes leave on a day the kids are in school, and we spend the day together while we know the kids are safe and learning. One a month is totally doable for anyone.

20. Spend Time Outside Daily

Take a walk or just sit on your porch and listen to the birds. Either way, get outside for 20 minutes each day. You need the relaxation!

21. Keep Track of The Positives Each Day

Go buy a notebook and at the end of each day, write down 3 positive things that happened. That way you are always looking for the positive and not so focused on the negative when it’s time for bed.

22. Treat Yourself

Take one weekend, it can be monthly or even once for the year, and really treat yourself. My treat this year will either be a full spa weekend retreat, my tattoo, or a new Luis Vuitton purse. Heck, maybe I’ll do all three if I get my side hustle up and running