Can a sustainability idea help me sustain my New Year’s Resolutions?

I am awesome at starting New Year Resolutions. But I have trouble sticking with them long-term.

This year, my goals are really important to me — spending more time on my hobbies, committing to my writing deadlines, buying less, and practicing new mindfulness techniques.

So I’m eager for a more sustainable approach — something I’ll keep up with all year (not just at the start of the year).

These days, “sustainable” also means sustainability — as in “green” or environmentally conscious. I wondered — what if I found inspiration for more sustainable goals in the sustainability movement? After all, my resolution of “buying less” this year is a sustainability goal — could that sustainable approach help me with all my goals?

Sustainability Goal: Buying Less

Like many, I’ve made some pandemic purchases that I almost instantly regretted. Quick purchases often lead to buyer’s remorse — and our quick-ship buying trends are wreaking havoc on the environment.

Interestingly, research has shown that those who focus on buying less rather than buying green are actually happier.

So rather than a quick purchase that I might regret later, I want to adopt a more sustainable approach.

I’m challenging myself to consider how this practice can help me with all my New Year’s Resolutions this year.

In Practice: Not “Buying My Way” to My Goals

A quick purchase can feel like a positive step toward meeting a goal. For example, if I want to commit to writing deadlines, then I could start by buying a new planner, some nice pens, maybe a journal, or a subscription to a writing app…

This way of thinking is actually pretty common. Psychologically, many of us may view a purchase as a positive, actionable step.

“Usually resolutions require you to not do something: not spend money, not eat, not indulge yourself. That’s counter to what people think of as a solution. We naturally gravitate toward doing things,” shares consumer psychologist Kit Yarrow in CNBC’s Make sure spending doesn’t trip up your New Year’s resolutions.

But of course, buying something doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll use it. And oftentimes, those quick purchases–like a new planner — just distract me from the thing I’m actually supposed to be doing — like writing.

Instead of trying to buy my way toward my goals, I’ve committed to just starting with what I already have. Do I need a new planner right now, or can I use the journal I already have? Do I need a brand new writing app, or is that just a bit of procrastination?

Next time I feel the itch to purchase something related to my resolutions, I’m going to challenge myself to just start on my goal, rather than trying to buy my way toward it.

In Practice: Buying Less by Borrowing

Just yesterday, I called my Mom to ask about borrowing some knitting needles. As part of my “more time on hobbies” resolution, I want to get started on a knitting project, but the pattern calls for a needle size that I don’t have.

It would’ve been so easy to just order needles on Amazon or pop into my favorite yarn store. But instead, I enjoyed a quick call with my Mom, sharing the details of the project. It helped make my goal feel more real, and plus, now I have an accountability partner… seeing as she’ll want her needles back at some point.

“It can be really hard to keep resolutions on your own, but bringing a friend or mentor into the conversation can make it fun and get you out of your head,” says career coach Letisha Bereola in 3 tricks for setting–and sticking to–your 2022 work goals, according to career coaches.

Rather than buying new, I can help the environment (and my wallet) by purchasing used items or by borrowing from others. This sustainable strategy not only wastes less — it has the added benefit of involving others in my goal conversations.

“Got a home improvement project? See if a neighbor can lend you his specialty tools, rather than buying that staple gun or spray washer you won’t use again. (Or borrow one free from AutoZone.) Not only will you save money by buying fewer one-use items, but you might also form more connections in your community by engaging more with your neighbors.” — MoneyTalksNews in “11 New Year’s Resolutions That Will Save You Money in 2022”.

In Practice: Buying Less by Leveraging Community Resources

By swapping an online book purchase for a library rental, I’m not just saving a few bucks — I’m also connecting with a fantastic local resource.

Our community libraries often do a lot more than just rent books — they offer audiobooks, children’s programming, events, classes, and more.

If I make a goal to use my library more, I’ll learn about those other services and programs — which could help me with other goals.

And the library isn’t my only community resource. What about swapping a gym membership for visits to the city park? Or swapping ticket costs for visits to the local museum?

By challenging myself to consider the local resources that are available, I’m not only meeting my goal of buying less, but I’m also giving myself more of a chance to learn about local services that could help with other goals.

More Sustainability Practices for Goal Setting

These practices were all related to my sustainability goal of buying less. But that’s just one small goal in a large movement. Are any of your New Year’s Resolutions related to sustainability or going green? Are there sustainability practices that you keep in mind when trying to set up new goals?