ChatGPT Gave Me My New Years Resolutions

And it was kind of spot on?

I love to reflect. I love to journal about the past, think about my wins and losses, and use them to challenge myself on how to grow into the person I want to be.

However, when it comes to making a New Year’s Resolution, I usually become a bit stumped. In one breath, I don't like resolutions. I find that often, they involve the pressure to change your appearance through diets and weight loss. Or, they are lofty goals that are lost or forgotten a few months in.

In the other, though, a New Year brings an air of excitement about. It feels like anything is possible at the start of a new year—like maybe this next year might be different and hold something spectacular for us. Overnight, we might become someone completely different.

Let’s be real: what’s different between December 31st, 2025 and January 1, 2025? To me, it’s just our perspective. A New Year feels like a fresh start, and inherently denotes a new start according to a calendar, so it makes us feel like we too get a fresh start. A change of the clock suddenly allows us to free ourselves of the trials and tribulations of the past 365 days, and set goals for what the next might look like.

So, I’ll give in. Because 1) it’s fun, and 2) I could use a fresh start in some ways. 2024, like all years, had its ups and downs. I went through a lot of changes, but experienced a lot of the same old same old. I got to travel, but not tons, see some new places, but not tons, and grow more into the person I want to become, while also continuing to do things I don’t want to do.

I hope 2025 holds the same, but to get some help making some direct “resolutions,” I asked ChatGPT:

“Based on what you know about me, give me 5 concrete goals with actionable steps for 2025.”

I don’t use ChatGPT a ton, so it wanted more information from me. I told it my hobbies, interests, and some light, vague goals as person, and got the following goals with actionable steps. I have some short thoughts in bold after each one.

1. Enhance Outdoor Skills and Explore New Terrain

• Actionable Steps:

  • Set a goal to climb a specific peak, complete a multi-day hiking trail, or conquer a challenging mountain biking course.

  • Train weekly with a mix of cardio, strength, and sport-specific activities.

  • Join local or online groups for outdoor enthusiasts to learn tips and find adventure partners.

  • Plan at least two trips to new outdoor destinations (local or international).

This made me excited and want to start a Google Doc with some potential backpacking trips and outdoors trips this year. Also, it reminded me the importance of continuing my fitness journey to be the strongest I can be. I don’t work out with the goal to be thin or appear a certain way, but to be strong so I can power myself through challenging, demanding days outside. I was never athletic growing up and hated going to the gym, but in recent years, I’ve come to love seeing that I can learn something new and get better at it, even if I didn’t start doing it at 4 years old.

I have almost ridden myself of my fear of heights, can rappel myself down or belay others into a climb safely, ski down a black diamond (albeit slowly), and climb a bike up thousands of feet in elevation just because of the time I’ve spent getting stronger in the past few years.

2. Develop Writing and Editing Projects

• Actionable Steps:

  • Set a target to write a specific number of articles, essays, or a book chapter by the end of the year.

  • Dedicate a daily or weekly writing schedule (e.g., 3 hours per week).

  • Join a writing group or workshop for feedback and accountability.

  • Submit your work for publication or competitions to gain exposure.

I attended school for English, and absolutely love working with authors. While I’m stepping more into writing for fun and for myself, I also want to continue to become the best editor and partner in writing I can for my authors.

3. Deepen Relationship Intimacy and Health

• Actionable Steps:

  • Schedule regular "check-in" conversations with your partner to discuss feelings, goals, and challenges.

  • Plan monthly date activities that align with both your interests (e.g., outdoor adventures, traveling).

  • Read books or attend workshops on healthy communication and relationships together.

  • Apply insights from therapy to improve communication and emotional connection.

After some traumatizing relationship years (more on that later?), I have really prioritized my emotional, mental, and relational health. I have been challenged by this a lot as traumatic responses have presented themselves and I’ve found myself not trusting my own brain at times. I thought these actionable goals were actually really helpful, as the regular “check-ins” and “dates” can get lost in the monotony of life.

4. Prioritize Mental and Emotional Wellness

• Actionable Steps:

  • Continue therapy and set measurable milestones for progress (e.g., addressing specific traumas or improving coping mechanisms).

  • Practice mindfulness or meditation daily (even if for just 5-10 minutes).

  • Keep a journal to track emotional growth and reflections on therapy sessions.

  • Dedicate time to self-care activities like reading, nature walks, or hobbies you love.

Meditation is something I so badly want to incorporate into my daily life. I have had periods of time where I do, but then life happens and the day seems to start the moment my eyes open. My goals for 2025 are to have a better morning schedule, and waking up earlier, so I can set some time out to intentionally begin my day.

5. Expand Knowledge Through Reading and Travel

• Actionable Steps:

  • Set a goal to read 20-30 books, covering a mix of genres (self-help, adventure, fiction, etc.).

  • Choose travel destinations tied to your passions (e.g., hiking in Patagonia, exploring climbing routes in Europe).

  • Create a budget and itinerary for trips, combining outdoor adventures with cultural exploration.

  • Write about your travel experiences to merge your love of writing and adventure.

YES! After a couple of years of only stateside travel (which is also amazing), this year I’m hoping to do a bigger trip abroad based in some of my outdoor hobbies, while also eating my way through great local food and spending days in the sunshine exploring. And, you know, I’ll read, too. I guess.