New Year’s Resolutions 2023: Keeping It Real

A recent article in the New York Times offered some intriguing food for thought. The headline: “Happy Low-Key New Year!” The point: “I don’t need 2023 to be my year; I need it to not be a soul-sucking drag through earthly purgatory,” according to human services specialist Erin Monroe.

“I need 2023 to come in, sit down, shut up and don’t touch anything,” she continued in a Tik Tok video which garnered a staggering 1.8+ million views.

It’s not surprising. Covid-19 has changed the way we all think about resolutions.

One thing has become increasingly clear: The desire to keep it real in 2023.

Compass Realtor Mark Cain sums it up this way: “I’m not a believer in New Year’s resolutions. Most of the time they can’t be achieved because they’re usually too grand.

“My ongoing resolutions now are just ‘take one step toward whatever it is that you want to achieve.’ Instead of focusing on the entire goal, I now focus on accomplishing just the first step, then the second, and so on.”

Turns out, many of our Realtor friends – along with CandysDirt.com editors Jo England and Shelby Skrhak – are in complete agreement. Read on to see what they’re resolving for 2023.

Jo England, Executive Editor, CandysDirt.com

My big resolution is to declutter. I’m no fan of Marie Kondo, but I do see that my house has become a lot fuller since the start of the pandemic.

Tip: Start the year with a deep clean.

This allows you to really see everything that’s in the space and get rid of things you don’t use. From there, make a daily to-do list which includes dusting, organizing clothes, making your bed, clearing nightstands and counters, and immediately discarding junk mail.

Also, commit to keeping one area tidy and clear “The idea is, when we create one clutter-free zone, it can calm our brain,” clutter coach Amelia Pleasant Kennedy told The Washington Post.

Shelby Skrhak, Associate Editor, CandysDirt.com

I resolve to look at the places in my home that I’ve become blind to. You know, those areas that you don’t really pay attention to, maybe because they’re messy, cluttered, or just not great looking. I want to LOVE more parts of my 1980s soft contemporary home.

Claudine King, Dave Perry Miller Real Estate

Don’t post a zero for the day:  If your goal is to exercise 30 minutes but you’re short on time, exercise 10 minutes. It you can’t make 10 phone calls, instead of losing the day, just make one. Whatever you do, do not post zero.

Is your first inclination after a misstep to throw in the towel?

Researchers call this the “what the hell effect” – you screw up, then give up because “what the hell,” you’ve already failed.

Tip: It’s far more beneficial to give yourself a couple of get-out-of-jail-free cards and keep pushing forward.

KJ Murphy, Allie Beth Allman & Associates

Attend more open houses. And read more. I just read an article about the history of some of our neighborhoods that will be great small talk when showing in that area.

Janelle Alcantara, Galaxy Modern, Briggs Freeman/Sotheby’s International Realty

Learn something new. Last year I started playing the drums! My goal for 2023 is to take on some more difficult songs: Teen Spirit by Nirvana or Master of Puppets by Metallica. I expect that I’ll have those down by summertime. Then, I’d like to form a band of other people over 40 that want to play 80s rock just for fun. 

Tip: Gain new skills in 10 minutes with unlimited access to 180+ classes delivered in bite-sized lessons, touts the MasterClass website. This immersive online experience features everything from business strategy and leadership to wilderness survival. Plus, you’ll learn from the world’s best — think Frank Gehry (design and architecture), Kelly Wearstler (interior design), John Legend (songwriting), and Serena Williams (tennis).

Suzanne Warner, Compass

It’s not about resolutions, it’s about intentions. So many people have been through so much in the last 24 to 36 months; often life is a struggle behind the scenes. Therefore, it is about KINDNESS and being PRESENT for others enveloped by one thing: LOVE.

Karen Nelson, Allie Beth Allman & Associates

“I’ve just had too much girl time lately,” said NO ONE, EVER.  My New Year’s resolution is to schedule more girl time.  

Candy Evans, Founder & Publisher, CandysDirt.com

“I still believe in resolutions for (my constant) self-improvement, though they tend to peter out by June. Still, the compulsive list-maker I am, my 2023 resolutions are:

1. Finish what I start.

2. More fasting, more exercise, fewer cookies.

3. De-clutter the house. Throw something away before more comes in! (Action: Xmas tree is already down.)

4. Read more books! I was asked to join a Dallas Book Club loaded with accomplished, bright women (including several agents) who read a book a month, report, and discuss.

Tip: Resolutions don’t have to be about deprivation.

Instead, resolve to have more fun. “I love the idea of inviting more things into your life, especially for New Year’s resolutions,” Katie Curran, a licensed mental health counseling associate, told the Seattle Times. “I think people are moving more toward simplicity and joy.”