Realistic Resolutions in 2025

The start of a new year is traditionally a time for making resolutions. These declarations can be a great motivator for self-improvement – if followed – but often they are too ambitious and unattainable. So, for 2025, let’s think realistically.

The Washington Jewish Week hosted a “resolutions” poll in its final issue of 2024! The choices were: eat healthier; find a new job; save money better; join a gym; and other. When I took the poll on December 31, I chose to ‘eat healthier’ in 2025 – the number 1 choice, followed by ‘other’. Let’s face it – from Halloween to New Year’s there is much to indulge in.

Yet just a couple of weeks ago, the J hosted a program featuring a film screening of “Join or Die” followed by discussion/Q&A with a panel – to address a phenomenon discovered by social scientist Robert Putnam: lack of connection, community  and civic engagement has led to decreased health and wellness and eroding democracy in the United States. Additionally, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy wrote a book called Together in 2020 and issued a Health Advisory giving compelling evidence about the loneliness epidemic. Murthy concluded, “loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” His recommendation – human connection – with its healing power.

The J’s program proposed that we take small steps to make (big) change happen, both personally and through grassroots efforts in our community. If we can focus on the ‘doable’ small stuff, perhaps we can stay motivated to enhance our personal lives in these 7 key areas:

1. Health and Wellness

• Movement/Exercise: Did you know that a sedentary lifestyle is worse than smoking cigarettes? Move more by taking daily walks, starting a new exercise routine, or trying a new sport.
• Mindfulness & Meditation: Incorporate a few minutes of meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve focus. There are many online apps that can help you achieve this!
• Healthy Eating: Eat a well-balanced diet; limit your intake of sugar and processed foods. Cook more and eat out less, making better choices at restaurants.

2. Personal Growth

• Read More: Set a goal to read a ‘x’ number of books this year! Try a new genre or dive into a series. Join a book club and consider audiobooks!
• Learn a New Skill or Hobby:  Whether it’s a new language, how to crochet, or playing pickleball or Mah Jongg, acquiring a new skill or hobby can be very rewarding. Make time for hobbies that you enjoy and take a class/course to stimulate your brain.

3. Professional Development/Volunteering

• Career Goals/Networking: Set specific, achievable goals for your professional development (certifications, workshops, new projects, etc.) and connect with professionals in your field. Zoom is a great option for connecting with others!
• Volunteering: Find opportunities to use your professional knowledge and skills to give back. Choose a meaningful cause to donate your time to and make your community and the world a better place! For ideas for helping your community, visit volunteer.theJ.org.

4. Financial Goals

• Save and Invest: Create a budget, start saving more, and learn about investing to secure your financial future.
• Debt Reduction: Plan to pay off any outstanding debts and avoid accumulating new ones.

5. Relationships and Social Life

• Quality Time: Spend more quality time with family and friends. Consider organizing regular get-togethers or simple meetups. Online calendars can help!
• New Connections: Join clubs or groups related to your interests to meet new people and expand your social circle.

6. Environment and Community

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Reduce waste, recycle more, and consider using eco-friendly products.

7. Mental Health

• Self-Care: Make time for activities that recharge you, whether that’s taking a bath, practicing yoga, listening to music or reading a magazine or book.

Remember, the key is to set tangible and manageable goals and track your progress. Celebrate the small victories on your journey and don’t be too hard on yourself if you backslide (everyone does it at times). Put one foot in front of the other and move forward; every step counts!

The Pozez JCC can be instrumental in helping you achieve improvement in these areas. From our state-of-the-art Fitness Center and its many offerings to a wide variety of adult activities for all ages and stages to opportunities to do mitzvot with Volunteer Services, the J has something for everyone! Check out our January calendar here: Programs, Classes & Events – Pozez JCC to find something to enhance your life. 😊

Wishing you an amazing 2025! 🎉