Entering 2026 With Intention: Practical New Year’s resolutions to help you start 2026 with a smile

SOO Line by Soo Greiman 

Here is a startling fact: Did you know that only 9% of Americans actually keep their New Year’s resolutions?  

Yup. I read that on the internet, so it must be true. Maybe it was even generated by artificial intelligence (A.I.). I also learned that the third Friday in January is unofficially known as “Quitter’s Day,” because many people who haven’t yet surrendered their New Year’s resolutions by then decide to give them up.  

Still, New Year’s resolutions can be practical and obtainable if you don’t make them strict life changes or stressful aims that leave you exhausted. With that in mind, I thought it might be a good idea — if you haven’t made any resolutions or goals for 2026 — to select a  few that are a little more realistic and have some fun as you kick-start your year. These ideas are honest, relatable and a lighthearted way to begin a brand-new year. You might not even  have to be part of “Quitter’s Day.”  

You have my permission to download this list and stick it on your refrigerator, somewhere near La Penca’s menu or the list of Casey’s pizza toppings.  

These light and funny New Year’s suggestions are meant to bring a little joy. I’m even changing the name of this article. Instead of calling them “New Year’s resolutions,” we’re now calling them “Casual Promises to Myself I May or May Not Fulfill.”  

Entirely possible New Year’s resolutions 

Resolve to stop procrastinating … tomorrow.  

Avoid things that make you fat … like scales and mirrors.  

Wake up before noon on weekends … occasionally.  

Finally learn how to fold a fitted sheet. Or just keep rolling it up.  

Take more naps. Call them self-care.  

Eat more vegetables … on top of pizza.  

Make your bed every day. Or at least look at it with intention.  

Stop judging people who put pineapple on pizza.  

Pretend to enjoy kale.  

Eat less sugary foods. (Starting next month.)  

Drink more water … disguised as coffee.  

Learn how to use all the features on your cellphone.  

Learn how to back up the photos on your phone. 

Go to the gym at least once. Even if it’s just to look around.  

Walk more. (To the fridge.)  

Run only when chased.  

Learn what planking is. Try to do several without collapsing.  

Say no to toxic people and yes to tacos.  

Be kinder to yourself … unless you’ve eaten all the cookies.  

Practice mindfulness while doing tax preparation.  

Stop comparing yourself to the “Housewives of New Jersey.”  

Meditate without falling asleep.  

Celebrate small wins. Like finding matching socks.  

Organize your junk drawer. Then fill it with more junk.  

Vacuum regularly … when someone’s coming over.  

Resolve to wash clothes before you run out of underwear.  

Buy a plant. Keep it alive for five whole days.  

Resolve to exercise more … so you can eat more pizza.  

Do things that spark joy … like sending out Christmas cards in December.  Celebrate small victories … with snacks.  

Train your cat to be more emotionally supportive.  

Walk around more often in slippers.  

Try to be a better you.  

Resolve to pet every dog you can.  

Gain something new this year — at least it won’t be a surprise when you see it on the scale.