Note to self - Alternative to New Year Resolutions?

I agree Phoenix, I try to get into the habit at the end of each year to think about what I could have done better. And then write down what I hope to accomplish tthrougout the coming year. Well it's a start ..... good luck with your own ''note to self'

I've never made a NYR but I usually find myself reflecting on stuff during the days between Christmas and New Year. I've slowly gained more weight than is good for me over the past year. I will attempt to avoid deserts/cakes/especially biscuits other than at the weekend once the holiday period is over (2nd week in Jan for me as we're away with family ). That's my note to self and I'll try and remind self if on a Monday I'm thinking, well it's only 3 chocolate hobnobs.....

Good luck Iam,Perhaps make it just two?

Ah good plan Bridgeit, thanks!

the only NYR I ever kept was keeping my ironing basket empty,I ironed everything as it came out of the dryer and put it away and it really was much easier than I thought it would be.A tidy utility room was a bonus .I might do it again this New Year ,theres less ironing now anyway and its just that I hate ironing and leave it for a week ..or more before I tackle it

After discarding A ton of paper that isn’t recyclable . I am going to try and be more aware of and be prepared to pay more for less unfriendly packaging.
It’s not exactly a resolution because even if I have to admit defeat sometimes I will continue to try.

I avoid NYRs because if I fail to keep them I start beating myself up. Apparently ditching "toxic thoughts" is going to be the new alternative to mindfulness next year.

I am therefore thinking of replacing NYR's with plans, hopes and/or aspirations instead.

Ultimately people should do whatever works best for them and makes them feel good.

The most urgent things that I need to do are also the most boring. I just wish I knew how to motivate myself to do all of them - a NYR won't help.

Right with you Paddyann and doesn't it just give you a feeling of satisfaction when both the ironing is up to date and the dirty laundry basket is empty?
1 load of whites, 1 load of darks, socks and pants in woolwash, (Himself gets itchy feet with detergent) and teatowels when the bucket under the sink is full and towels twice a week.

I made a NYR many years ago to make no more NYRs. I'm happy to say I've be successful with this and saved myself any amount of angst for the inevitable failures! Happy New Year to you all.

I'm very good at ignoring 'Notes to self'.

I don't make NYR - how do you improve on perfection . I have put on a bit of weight this year but that just means there is more of me to love, also with my increasing age I think God has decided to give me airbags in case I fall

A cautionary tale bout ironing - my son a few years ago moved back into a downstairs room. We got him a rack to hang hanging stuff. It took most of his clothes. He moved out again later. There was the rack and I took to hanging stuff to iron on it. Not sure how it happened but I ended up with the whole rack full of unironed summer clothes - kept looking in there and running away. Now I iron everything almost before it's dry.

I don't see any difference between a New Year's Resolution and a Note To Self. Can someone explain please?

New Year is supposed to be a fresh start ...like every Monday when half the people I know start a new diet...lol.It being a New Year gives it a bit more credence ...I think.

They must be SMART
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time limited.
+ must be different to last year
Last year I had:-
1.10,000 steps a day
2.Study classics
3.Write Life story
Failed 2 and 3 - Don't beat yourself up
This Year
1. Less sugar and fat
2.listen to more music
3.Read a poem a day
I wonder which I'll fail????

I think the problem with many NYRs is their punitive nature - giving things up, trying to improve ourselves against the odds. No wonder they're hard to keep.
My most successful one ever was 'drink more gin'! I kept it up all year ? and no, I didn't become an alcoholic - I'd just given myself permission to have more pleasure when I wanted it.

I made a new year resolution in 2000 to learn to roller blade. Seventeen years later, I haven't achieved this (I did make a start but was held back by my own refusal to let go of the lamp post outside my house) but I don't feel like a failure. I'm still working on it but very slowly.

Actually, it's eighteen 'new years' coming up... ?

I had an elderly aunt who decided to get fitter in the new year, and bought an exercise bike to help her.
It was set up, she set to and began working up a brisk pace. Then the bike fell apart, she fell off and broke her hip!

I hope it wasn't you who put it together Miss A!

I use the time between Christmas and New Year to do my personal reorganisation. I look at my to do lists and my wish lists to set out a plan for the year. I write in all my U3A classes, my proposed ho;lidays etc in my diary and try to update my personal organisation i.e. I have a shopping list for each supermarket so if I am passing I can check if they have something which I need i.e. blue toilet paper - ASDA shades.

I enjoy Chines brush painting and have on the list to set up my Scholar's Desk. To do this I will have to do some decluttering.

It wasn't, thankfully! Its a cautionary tale about self improvement though.
Not always recommended.

Happy New year to you all! I went low carb in September...its called a woe...a way of eating...not woeful at all! I intend to follow this woe to my demise...the health benefits are wonderful....dropped two dress sizes, sleep at night, knees do not hurt, more energy, no brain fog...reduced hot flushes...the list goes on....and the food you eat is yummy! Love to all.

I have never kept a NYR, so there's no point in starting now! However... there is that last half stone to lose.