Happy New Year!

While 2021 may have been far from ordinary, at ASI we’re SHOCKED that it’s already drawing to a close! I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun!  

 Now. Following a month of feasting and frolicking, it’s no surprise that many New Year’s resolutions revolve around exercising, eating healthier, saving money, you get the idea. And these are all really great goals! There’s no better time than the present to get started and revitalize your health, wellness, and financial security. Truly. 

But. 

It’s been a strange few years – and if you’re looking for a slightly different take on a resolution this year, we’ve got some ideas to get you started! 

 

Monthly Challenges 

Did you know that the average American abandons their resolution a meager 36 days in? So instead of a year-long resolution, try monthly challenges instead! We came up with a list of ideas that will take you well into 2022.  

 

– 30 Day Challenges: 

  1. No fast food  
  2. 30 days of yoga 
  3. Water – Did you know that you are supposed to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water EVERY DAY? 
  4. No-Buy month (other than the essentials of course) 
  5. Sober October (or any other month that doesn’t rhyme as nicely) 
  6. Create a bucket list 
  7. Early bird – can you wake up at the same time (or earlier) every day for a month? 
  8. Book club – start one, join one, or just finish a book within a month 
  9. Curb the caffeine 
  10. Sugar free Sundays 
  11. 30 min walks for 30 days 

 

 

 – Spend a month checking in on your adult readiness: 

  • Your 401(k)   
  • Your A/C filters   
  • Your bank statements   
  • Your beneficiaries   
  • Your bills
  • Your budget  
  • Your car’s oil  
  • Your cholesterol   
  • Your credit report  
  • Your credit score    
  • Your flexible spending account   
  • Your fridge   
  • Your healthcare plan 
  • Your insurance coverage – all of it!  
  • Your investments & portfolio  
  • Your loan repayments 
  • Your online presence   
  • Your passwords   
  • Your pets’ health   
  • Your smoke detectors  
  • Your tax withholdings   
  • Your teeth   
  • Your will  

 

– Fasting – intermittent or regular (research this first to stay safe!) 

– Turn off all electronics after 7 pm 

– Clean up your workspace after each use, be it the kitchen, woodshop, or computer desk 

– Throw away or donate one item each day 

– Log in your food journal 

– Exercise challenges 

  • 5 minutes of jump rope 
  • 100 squats 
  • 100 push-ups 
  • 100 sit-ups 
  • 100 flutter kicks 
  • Planks for 5 minutes 
  • Standing abs for 5 minutes 
  • Walk 10,000 steps 
  • Take the stairs 

 

Don’t see something for you on this list? Invent your own! That’s the beauty of a new year – it’s a blank slate. And the best news is, if you run into a roadblock with one challenge, there’s always something else! What’s on your list for 2022?? Good luck!