2020 has been a rough year on most of us. A lot of people want to forget the year ever happened, so I thought I’d give the December 2020 Positivity Challenge a crazy spin. Instead of thinking about a New Year’s resolution for January 2021, I challenge you to make an Old Year’s Resolution.

That’s right, an Old Year’s Resolution!
I challenge you to set a goal or envision yourself taking on a new skill, talent, or outlook for 2020. For the rest of December work harder on helping the year end on a positive note than you normally do on the usual weight loss or decluttering resolutions of new years past.

Take this Old Year’s Resolution seriously!

Think of what you pictured 2020 looking like. Remember the resolutions or goals you set for yourself and grab onto one of those dreams, goals, or ambitions. Work your darndest to make that objective a reality as you wrap up this craziest of years.

Here are some examples:

For the next 24 days, cut out the sugars and carbs you have always said you should.

For the next 24 days, send a Thank You text or card to someone for whom you are grateful.

For the next 24 days, work out for 25 minutes while you watch your favorite tv show.

For the next three weeks, keep track of how much money you save by not eating out or splurging on sodas or coffee at restaurants.

For the rest of December, add time for prayer or meditation to the beginning and end of your day.

End this year without guilt and forgive yourself for whatever is hovering over you from the past. You can’t change the past, so forgive and begin a new future.

Let 2020 be a year that you documented all the things for which you are thankful in a journal or jar. Revisit that journal or jar in years to come. Add to that list every year. Establish a tradition of gratitude.

Everyday until January 1, 2021 find 20 minutes to talk to someone you love or play with your kids. Make sure this is 20 minutes that you don’t already do. Make it a special 20 minutes. That specialness will allow those opportunities to become your new normal and inspire more memorable encounters.

Each day for the rest of 2020, put an item in a box to donate. Discover all you have to share with others and begin 2021 by giving of yourself.

Be sure to give 2021’s resolutions some thought, but let’s say good-bye to 2020 in a good way. Let’s make a resolution to end the year with positive thinking, actions, and intentions.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. My resolution for 2020 was to try to play guitar again. Guess I’m gonna have to get with it!