Creating New Yearâs resolutions can be a fun way to start a new chapter, but we all know how maintaining our goals can be challenging. Weâve collectively dealt with a lot over the past year, and Iâm here to remind you: be gentle with yourself! 2021 is all about setting intentions that feel right for you without the pressure to be perfect. If you need some inspo to tackle 2021 with confidence, here are seven intentions every 20-something should try this year:
1. Establish a self-care practice
Self-care may be a buzzy term these days, but now is the perfect time to commit to a personalized practice that works for you. This can be anything from baking banana bread to taking a bubble bath, going to therapy, or taking five minutes out of your workday to jam out to Ariana Grande. Self-care works best when you have a sensory experience (think: sound, touch, taste, smell, or anything visual). And in case youâre wondering, taking a nap totally counts!
2. Find a workout you love
Recently, Iâve started reframing the idea of fitness and simply calling it âmovementâ â it feels less restrictive and way more fun. If youâre ready to get active, ask yourself, âHow can I move my body today?â Whether itâs going for a socially-distanced walk, a quick virtual workout (my current fave: The Class by Taryn Toomey), or having an impromptu dance party in your apartment, itâs less about how the movement looks and more about how it feels.Â
3. Learn to say âno’Â
Seriously, no is a complete sentence. Itâs the best advice Iâve received in my twenties, and itâs the perfect reminder for anyone who needs to protect their energy, mental health, and well-being this year. If youâre continually carving out time for others with little in return, it may be time to set some boundaries and learn the power of âno.â It may feel awkward at first, but when you respect yourself and your time, other people will, too. After all, you canât pour from an empty cup.
4. Revamp your networkÂ
Making friends in your twenties isnât easy. This year, set the goal to revamp your network by getting in touch with new people who motivate and inspire you. If youâre feeling stuck, try joining a recruiting website, exploring a networking app, or attending a virtual meetup based on your unique interests. Youâd be surprised how many people in their twenties are *also* looking for friends. Know that revamping your network may also mean cutting out friendships that no longer align with your values. And thatâs okay, too.Â
5. Try a new recipeÂ
Donât get me wrong, I love some quality takeout! However, thereâs nothing like learning a recipe at home and really mastering it to make you feel like a real adult. This year, flex your creativity and culinary skills by cooking or baking something new. Bonus points if you start a recipe book with your favorite dishes (mine has this divine lemon chicken piccata and, of course, all of the holiday desserts). For busy twenty-somethings like us, having a list of go-to meals is *chefâs kiss.*Â Â
6. Feel empowered about your finances
Between paying rent, filing taxes, and figuring out how much to spend and save each month, managing your finances can be overwhelming. If you wish you had taken a personal finance class back in the day, donât worry â your twenties is an ideal time to start learning and planning the kind of lifestyle you want. Make a list of actionable steps you can take to feel more empowered over your finances, whether itâs chatting with your money-savvy friend about her best tips or meeting with an advisor. Soon youâll be making serious money moves.
7. Pursue your passion
Whether you want to start a podcast or you dream of exploring a new career path, seriously, just do it. If thereâs anything Iâve learned in my twenties, itâs that the perfect moment to pursue your passion doesnât exist â you have to believe in yourself and go for it! Make a mood board. Post a sticky note on your mirror. Find a mentor. Remind yourself of your ideas and passions every day, and your life will start to feel a lot more exciting.Â
As we ring in the new year, remember that some goals are more challenging to stick to than others. Take a deep breath and remember that you donât have to be perfect! Hereâs to setting intentions that work for you and enjoying the exciting journey that is your twenties. Happy new year!