4 New Years Resolutions It’s Not Too Late to Make 

There’s something about the new year that makes it seem like our New Year’s resolutions will magically happen. Maybe it’s the falling snow, buying a new calendar, or the fading glow of Christmas lights that make us open to new possibilities. However, we can – and should – be setting goals for ourselves year-round. We should always evaluate our programs, our teachings, and our own personal lives and make adjustments when we feel led. With that said, even though January is flying by fast, here are four things I think every youth worker should do this year.

1. Do Not Blame Yourself for the Effect of the Pandemic on Your Work 

Catholic schools and Youth Ministry have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic. Most youth ministries are still online, many churches have downsized on staff, and attendance has plummeted. However, please, do not take that personally. SManywonderful youth workers feel guilty because they believe they aren’t doing enough for their students or because their students are having a difficult time. 

All you can do is your best. All you can do is be present in whatever socially distanced way is safe. All we can do is pray. If you’re dedicated to Youth Ministry for the long haul, for the marathon, then you cannot blame yourself for what is completely out of your control. 

2. Sleep More

I know some people can function on 5 hours of sleep perfectly well. Most of us are not those people. Do you know how many hours of sleep you need to feel your best? To be attentive and caring to those around you? This year, strive to get that much sleep at least 5 nights a week. There are many things to keep us awake – emails, children, housework, technology – but we can’t give our best if we do not rest. 

3. Choose a Saint of the Year 

I have seen a new trend on social media that involves choosing a word of the year; I would recommend (instead of or alongside) choosing a Saint of the year instead. Your devotion to this Saint during 2021 can include reading a book about their life or simply asking them to pray for you each day. Choose someone you don’t know much about but feel drawn to. 

Some suggestions for 2021 include St. Damien of Molokai, who served lepers in Hawaii; St. Angela Merici, who started the first order of religion dedicated to the education of girls; St. Aloysius Gonzaga, who died working with plague victims; or St. Julian of Norwich, who lived through the black plague and wrote about the power of God’s love. 

4. Invest in Your Adult Friendships 

It can be easy for us (especially during a pandemic!) to let our old friendships fall by the wayside. Maybe people are too far away to visit regularly, or we choose not to visit them now for safety. Friendship is a powerful love, and we are all called to have a greater community around us than just our families. Try to make a call once a week to an old friend, or add your friends to your prayer list, so they are on your mind daily. 

Are there other practices or resolutions that you think are especially needed during these times? Is God calling you to choose one of these resolutions for this year?

If looking for resources to help you plan out your days, weeks, or months check out the Monk Manual HERE.