11 Jan Healthy Attainable Goals for 2023
As we eagerly say goodbye to 2022, it’s a good time to reflect and start mapping out what practices we want to start implementing at the start of the new year. I don’t know about you, but for a long time, whenever I created a list of resolutions for the following year, it always ended the same way. I would set lofty goals, feel overwhelmed by the pressure I put on myself, and then be disappointed when I wouldn’t follow through with any of them. I decided the best way to move forward and actually see some progress is to start by setting small, achievable goals that would help me stay on track and fulfill my personal intentions.
The following 5 are goals that help me keep me on track and give me the solace that I’m not only bettering myself, but those around me as well.
Practice Gratitude
I think we can all recognize that the past two years have been challenging for all of us. It’s safe to say that we’re all grappling with an ongoing pandemic, facing increased racial tensions and political divisions, and generally just dealing with the many stressors and losses that are a natural part of life. But through all the ups and downs, there has been one practice that has pulled me through those lowest moments— gratitude.
While it’s easy, and understandable, to feel a rush of joy after receiving that big promotion at work you’ve been gunning for, gratitude extends to the smaller wins in life that are often overlooked or taken for granted. Even the smallest moments, such as a brief catch up with a friend, a kind gesture from a stranger, or even just a 15 minute walk through nature– these are all things that you can take a moment to be thankful for. Acknowledging these smaller victories daily makes you the best version of yourself which is why I think it’s a worthy and valuable resolution.
Explore Outdoors
Living in the PNW, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t acknowledge how spoiled I am to be constantly surrounded by greenery at a stone’s throw away. But even before I lived here, I’ve always strived to spend as much time as possible outside. Whether it was seeking a hike to really test my limits or just walking my dog around the block, the lasting effects it would have on my clarity and mood made it worthwhile to prioritize. In fact, it’s to be believed that spending time in nature and being outdoors has a plethora of mental wellness benefits. Exposure to being outside can lower risk of depression and restore our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention. Sometimes, though, going outside seems less important when “life” things get in the way. That’s why I like to put this on the top of my list and make sure I honor this small, yet incredibly valuable practice. If I can be a better father, partner and business owner just by spending time outdoors, I want to do that for myself and those around me.
Get a Good Amount of Sleep
Taking care of my two little ones, sleep isn’t always achievable. Even if you’re not a parent or sacrificing sleep for your career, there’s a good chance that sleep isn’t super high on your priority list. More often than not, you probably end up staying up late watching Netflix or getting an extra beer (or 5) way past your bedtime, and trust me– I’ve been there. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with watching Netflix, or spending time with friends, what I’ve learned is it’s a mistake to do those things at the expense of your sleep. Simply put, sleep has a profound impact on your life. It affects everything from mental health, immune system strength, brain health, weight, and even heart health. I genuinely believe that a quality life directly correlates with getting sufficient quality sleep and investing in improving the quality of your sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself. My resolution this year is not to give up spending time with friends or give up binging shows every now and then, but to treat sleep just as important as the other things I do on a daily basis for my health.
Reduce Waste
In 2022, I was able to fulfill a dream of mine for The Better Bar by switching to all compostable packaging. This was huge for me as I hate plastic with every fiber of my being and didn’t want to be a part of the ever growing problem. We are keen to see people make conscious decisions while they are shopping, as much as we are keen for businesses to evaluate and assess their operations, their products, and their services. If we want to make a change in the world, the truth is it’s going to have to be a team effort. Though I do my best to reduce my carbon footprint regularly, there’s always room for improvement. This year, I want to be even more conscientious and intentional.
Eat More Healthy, Whole Foods
Just to pull the parent card once again– there are days that it’s just too damn difficult to cook three meals a day to make sure my family and I are getting the utmost fuel and nutrients. With extracurriculars, school and running a business, time can simply run away from me. Sure, some days it’s easier to just grab something pre-made, but it seems like nowadays even when things are labeled ‘plant based’ or ‘organic’, they still have ingredients that are still questionable and even considered harmful. One of the main reasons I started The Better Bar was I was tired of seeing overly processed and incredibly inflammatory bars on the market. I desperately wanted something I could confidently give my young daughters knowing they’d not only be sustained but that it would also satisfy their picky taste buds. Making it a point to eat less processed foods is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health and genuinely think it’s a resolution everyone can benefit from.
The point of these resolutions is to not make myself feel guilty if I mess up here and there, but to have a simple set of guidelines to keep me accountable and on track. I hope that this small list of healthy habits gives you ideas to set your own goals to level up in all aspects of your life however you see fit. Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2023. Let’s make this the best year yet.