Cut it to one line
"Get healthy, save money, learn Spanish…" leaves nothing to remember. Cut each resolution to under 40 characters; trimming forces you to keep only what matters. If you have several, make several one-line resolutions instead of one long one.
Outcomes into actions
| Typical resolution (outcome) | One-line resolution (action) |
|---|---|
| Lose weight | 15-minute walk after lunch on weekdays |
| Learn a language | One lesson on the commute |
| Save money | Auto-transfer the day after payday |
| Read more | 10 pages in bed instead of the phone |
| More family time | Sunday dinner together |
An action is easy to check: you either did it today or you didn’t.
Add when and where
Psychologists call this an implementation intention: an "if X, then I do Y" plan that ties the action to a situation, so when the situation comes you act without having to decide.
- "When I walk out of the office after lunch, I walk for 15 minutes."
- "When the payday notification arrives, I tap the savings transfer."
Bring it back with a deadline
the Android app Wish Fireworks attaches a deadline to a one-line wish and reminds you as it approaches. Launching your resolution as a firework is the small ritual on top.
One line plus a deadline
On the Launch tab, write the resolution (up to 40 characters) and set a date under Deadline (optional). Pick a heart color that fits and launch it.
The sample wish in the screenshots below is written in Korean; your own wish appears in whatever language you type.
Keep it in the Wish Book
Tap Save this wish to keep it in the Wish Book. Sort by Due to see the nearest first, and tap Fulfilled when you make it to celebrate with golden fireworks.
Turn on reminders
In settings, turn on Due-date reminders and choose Remind me before (same day, 1, 3, 7 or 14 days) and a Reminder time. The default is 3 days before at 8 pm.
FAQ
I missed January 1. Too late?
There is no official start day. Lunar New Year, your birthday or the first of any month works just as well.
I want to change my resolution.
Tap Edit in the Wish Book to change the text, feeling, shape or deadline.
Wish Fireworks
No sign-up, and your wishes stay on your phone. Free on Android.