It’s a new year, so what better time than now to make a fresh start? Psychologically, using the calendar to set a goal is a great idea because it has a fixed beginning and end, so you can judge how much progress you’ve made throughout the year. In this blog, we’re going to look at some New Year’s resolutions that staff members at Ingla have made and give you some ideas for your New Year’s Resolutions.

Take a Photo Every Day for a Year

Vanessa, Ingla’s marketing guru, has made a resolution to take a photo every day in 2021. That’s 365 days of photos, recording the world around her. Her goal is to remain aware of the world around her even through the monotony of life when London is in lockdown. With Covid-19 restrictions closing many shops, cafes and restaurants (except for takeaway) life can get a bit repetitive, even dull. To counteract this, Vanessa believes that making herself take a photo every day will allow her to appreciate every moment and notice things that she would have otherwise not seen while working from home or rushing from one place to another. This isn’t intended as a project to get Instagram likes, but as a change of lifestyle (a new skill) to change her perspective. Taking up photography doesn’t require a big commitment anymore. All you need is a phone with a good camera, a sharp, attentive eye and the willingness to try something new. 

Start cycling

Zuhal, one of Ingla’s best-loved teachers, has made a resolution to start cycling more. While she has cycled before in the past, she hasn’t been cycling much since moving to London. Now that she has a new bicycle, Zu is going to take advantage of the extra time afforded her by the lockdown to explore the beautiful outdoor spaces in North London. The views from Alexandra Palace are breathtaking, and the open spaces of Downhills Park in West Green, Haringey feel so liberating when you’ve been locked inside for months. Many New Year’s resolutions are usually related to health and exercise. In 2021, with exercise being one of the few things you are allowed to do outside, this is doubly true. With the increasing number of cycle lanes in London, and greater awareness of cyclists by drivers, there’s never been a better time to start cycling.

What New Year’s resolution could you make?

We’ve given you a few ideas for New Year’s resolutions, but there are loads more that you could give a go. Remember, choose a resolution that’s realistic, something that you can stick to, and a change that suits your personality. If you do all of these things, you’re sure to have a successful new year! Here’s a video to give you some inspiration, and to help you practise the 3rd conditional.