As someone who tends to get a little too obsessed with goals and achievements, I’ve often found myself writing a list of New Year’s resolutions that are far too ambitious—full of things I feel I “should” do, rather than what I realistically can do. By the time January 1st rolls around, I’ve usually set myself up for failure before I’ve even started. Last year, however, I came across a poem by Harry Baker titled “20 Achievable Goals for the New Year,” and it made me pause and think. Rather than focusing on lofty, near-impossible goals, Harry’s list was refreshingly simple—focused on the small, everyday actions that bring joy and growth. Inspired by that poem, I decided to create my own list of 20 fun but realistic resolutions for the year ahead.

What I found was truly surprising. When I went back to revisit my list at the end of the year, I realized it wasn’t about crossing off items on a to-do list or even celebrating the big, standout achievements. Instead, it was a moment of remembering all the little joys I had along the way—the unexpected moments, the small victories, the times I made a new friend, or learned something just because. This year, I want to do more of that: embrace the process, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy the journey without the pressure to be perfect.

So, here are my 20 New Year’s resolutions, realistic and instilled with some fun —ones I’m excited about, but not in a “must-achieve-by-December 31st” kind of way.

1. Say a quick “thank you, God” every morning—bonus points if I’m still in bed.
2. Declutter my home like Jesus flipping tables—kindly, of course.
3. Master the art of drinking enough water without constantly needing the bathroom.
4. Dance in the kitchen at least once a week. No judgment on the moves.
5. Pick up a random skill—like juggling or playing the harmonica—and become average at it.
6. Write a postcard to a friend, even if it takes months for them to receive it.
7. Make a playlist that mixes worship bangers with my all-time faves. Holy meets hype.
8. Try cooking one new recipe a month—and maybe pray it doesn’t suck.
9. Go a whole day without looking at my phone and see where my thoughts take me.
10. Celebrate the little things like answered prayers, kind words, or a perfectly ripe avocado.
11. Spend five minutes praying. It’s okay if it’s mostly “Uh, hi, God…” He gets it.
12. Start a swear jar—but for every time I apologize unnecessarily.
13. Leave a random compliment on someone’s Instagram post. Spread joy recklessly.
14. Read a book and then brag obnoxiously that I “don’t even watch TV anymore.”
15. Journal more, but start every entry with “Dear Diary…” for the drama.
16. Say no to something I don’t want to do, and bask in the power trip.
17. Spend more time with kids—they’re pros at joy, honesty, and planning fairy parties.
18. Attend a local sports match and cheer passionately—even when I don’t fully understand the rules.
19. Make a “brag shelf” for my random achievements. Participation trophies welcome.
20. End my day with a “God, you’ve got this,” even when I don’t feel like it.