Ah, the New Year. The time of year when we promise ourselves we’ll finally get organised, start exercising, eat healthier, and maybe even learn to play the ukulele. But, let’s face it, without a little help from something simple yet powerful, like making a list, those resolutions might disappear into the void of good intentions—right next to the gym membership we signed up for last January. This year, however, making lists and building good habits can really help turn our New Year's resolutions into something lasting and, dare I say, enjoyable.
The magical power of making a list - the benefits are so simple, it’s almost laughable. We’re all familiar with that feeling of staring at a mountain of things to do and thinking, “How on earth will I ever get through all this?” The answer is… well, one step at a time. Writing things down helps de-clutter the mind, providing clarity and direction. It's like having a GPS for your goals—though without the annoying voice telling you to "turn around when possible."
How do I know this? Well, consider me a guru at lists *ahem *ahem. I make lists for things to be done at home which I share with my husband and of course, there are numerous lists at work that I share/collaborate with my team. By putting your goals on paper (or in a fancy app, if you’re tech-savvy), you’ve got a constant reminder that you’re supposed to be working toward something. And let’s be honest, there's a certain satisfaction in crossing items off your list. It’s like little victories for your soul—and who doesn’t love a good win? My personal choices for making a list are the following:
- Good old notebook - for personal use - You can find variety of LOKTAA softcover and hardcover notebook here
- Ticktick app - for personal use, shared with family
- Monday.com - for work
Lists can help us stay consistent & keep us accountable and lead us to building good habits. If you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to meditate every morning (along with 45 other resolutions), putting it on a list can be a simple reminder to actually do it. As you build consistency, those habits begin to stick. Eventually, instead of forcing yourself to meditate, it’ll become as automatic as, say, checking your phone first thing in the morning (we've all been there).
So, this year, as you’re crafting your New Year's resolutions, think about making a list of the habits you want to form. Break them down into bite-sized goals, track your progress, and remember to celebrate those small wins. Whether you check off "drink water" or "finish reading that book" on your list, you’ll feel a sense of achievement. Consider lists to be your trusty sidekick in the quest to build good habits. They bring clarity, accountability, and a bit of joy from crossing things off - seriously, it’s the best feeling ever.
Good Luck!