By Michele D. Baker
Finally… a new, fun way to set New Year’s resolutions! Instead of writing down the usual suspects – better health, more money, spend time with family – let’s get really specific in a new and unusual way. The theory behind resolutions is that if you say you’re going to “get in shape,” it’s hard to follow through because it’s vague and difficult.
Let’s change that around and create wishes and dreams, instead! This new, simple way of looking at and creating resolutions is simple: turn your resolutions into something you’re excited about doing, and you’ll succeed!
Step 1: Grab some paper and a pen.
See? We told you it would be easy.
Step 2: Put on your Imagination Cap and brainstorm!
This isn’t your “thinking cap…” it’s much stronger! Give yourself a short time limit – like five minutes – and set a timer. Ask yourself these questions and write down the first things that spring to mind. This is a brainstormed “laundry list” and you should totally ignore those little negative thoughts – not enough time/money/support – in the back of your mind. Don’t “think” – just “wish”!
- What would I like to happen most just for myself in 2025?
- What would make me happiest in 2025?
- What would make my life easier, more fun, more exciting, or less stressful?
- If you want, get specific. “What health-related change would I most like to happen for me in 2025?” or “What financial windfall would make me happiest in the first half of next year?”
Step 3: Whittle down your list
Take a look at your brainstormed list. Does one of the items stand out? Do you find yourself returning over and over to a certain word or phrase? Does one of the wishes seem “brighter” or “happier” than the others? Great! Circle that one!
Related: Welcome To Our January 2025 Edition: Fireworks and New Year Resolutions
Step 4: “Act as If”
The next step ventures even further into the realm of imagination. (Be sure your Imagination Cap is on tight.) Looking at the wish you just circled:
- Pretend it has already happened.
- Write down how it feels to be actually experiencing the wish. Happy? Excited? Motivated? Joyful?
- Describe how it affects you: what is better? What is easier? What is more fun? What are you going to do with those casino winnings? Be specific.
Step 5: Make your wish
Now that you’ve got your wish down and you’ve felt how it feels to already have it, state your official wish, adding in any details to make it specific. Give it a time limit. Here’s an example:
“I wish for a perfect health report from my doctor in April. My eyesight is 20/20, I have lost ten pounds of belly fat, my hearing is excellent, my blood pressure is 120/80, I can easily pick up my grandchildren with no strain because I’m so strong, and I have the circulatory system of a 25-year-old. My doctor can’t believe it – she’s calling me a medical miracle. And boy, am I sexy!”
Related: How to Improve Your Imagination
Step 6: Tuck away your wishes
Last step: hide the wish somewhere you’ll find it in a couple of months. Then stand back and see how far you’ve come! Happy wishing!
