There’s always something special about the end of the year and the promise of the one to come, but this year it feels particularly important and even a bit strange as it’s the end of a decade. I don’t know why but I feel like there’s an unnamed pressure to make bigger and better promises, to achieve more over the next twelve months, and to break all those bad habits I’ve resolved but failed to actually do in the past.

But this year I’ve decided to take it back to basics. Maybe it’s because I’ll be 39 in 2020 (too near to 40 for my liking!), or maybe it’s because I’m just tired of the pressure that life puts on us all. My new year’s resolutions for 2020 are really, very simple (and yes, even a little selfish).

Listen to my body

In a constant bid to do the types of things I think I should do I’m always pushing myself — working out too hard, upping weights, pushing my cardio, etc. etc. and whilst healthy competition, even with oneself is good, I often stop listening to my body which results in overtiredness and injury. So this year, instead of thinking ‘I must do body combat tonight’ I’m going to think, ‘What does my body need today?’ If that means I do nothing, I’ll do nothing. If that means I do a spin class instead of combat, I’ll do that. If it means I do some wonderfully relaxing yoga, I’ll do that. I’m going to listen to what my body needs and look after it better.

Stop feeling old!

I think most people feel older than they are, so I know I’m no exception here. Whether it’s the pressures of work, kids, home, or your health, it’s easy to feel older than we are. The trouble is, I’ve noticed I’m acting way older than I am! I’m not doing stuff because I think I’m too old to do and I feel like over this last year I lost my fun side a bit and I’d really like to get that back!

 Enjoy writing each and every sentence!

As I’ve written more and more, I’ve noticed I’ve developed a tendency to be so busy trying to get the words down that I’ve not spent the time enjoying the process of forming each and every sentence. There is something to be said for getting that first draft down as quickly as possible, but I think I’ve gone a bit over the top and I’m working at a million miles an hour. I’d really like to take a step back and enjoy the process to its fullest. So this year, unless I’m on a deadline, I’m going to slow down a tad and spend more time choosing words with care, taking the time to write and generally just making the most of this amazing craft.

What are your goals for 2020? Do you make New Year’s resolutions or do you prefer not to? Let me know in the comments below!