Your Best New Year’s Resolution Ever: Year in Pixels

I’ve tried making New Year’s Resolutions in the past. Some work, some fail, but in the end, they’re all focused on one thing: becoming your best you and living life more fully. Many people find a great way to do this is through journaling. However, journaling doesn’t work for everyone (me, for example). But thankfully, there’s another way to quickly keep track of how each day goes.

For the past year, I’ve tried a journaling alternative called Year in Pixels. The amazing thing is, Year in Pixels is something you can make yourself and tailor to your unique needs. For example, in the past I have kept one for emotions. However, the one I will be making and showing you all will be for spending habits.

Materials:

• One page of standard 8/12 x 11 printer or cardstock paper
• Ruler
• Fine-point Sharpie or pen
• 2-8 different colored pencils
• Clipboard

Time: Around 40 minutes

 

Step 1: Use a ruler to draw boxes for each day of the year.

 

Step 2: Create your key and choose colors (based on spending habits, emotions, health – whatever you want!)

Step 3: Put it on a clipboard and get creative!

Step 4: Put it to use! Here is one I used for part of last year As you can tell, there are some spills, notes, and wrinklies because I used it so much!

Every night, color in that day with the color or colors that match how your day went. I like to keep my Year in Pixels right next to my bed along with all of the colored pencils I need for easy access!

Overall, Year in Pixels is such a wonderful resource because it allows you to recognize patterns in your life without the tediousness of typical journaling. It is so helpful to look back over the past month and be able to physically see how certain events, people, activities, days of the week, times of the month, etc., positively or negatively affected your spending habits, mental state, or health.

In the end, you can use Year in Pixels in any way you want. Like many teenagers, I struggle with anxiety, but my 2018 Year in Pixels was an incredible tool for progress. Because over the past year, it helped me have a more positive view on life. I realized that even though the bad days may stick out more in our memories, there are far more good days and even amazing days than bad. I’m excited to maintain this perspective as I head into the New Year, and I would encourage you to use Year in Pixels as a way to find new perspective as well! Happy 2019!