52 Weeks: A Year of Saying Yes
As the new year begins, many of us set resolutions aimed at improving ourselves or fixing our flaws. But what if, instead of focusing on what we need to change, we embraced what life has to offer? Enter the concept of Yesolutions: a year-long journey of saying "yes" to opportunities, growth, and joy.
This isn’t about overcommitting or agreeing to everything—it’s about intentionally saying yes to things that enrich your life. Each week, I’ll explore a new Yesolution, sharing with you 52 small, meaningful ways to embrace positivity and possibility.
How It Works
Each week focuses on a simple, actionable way to say yes. Some are about trying new things, while others encourage self-care, connection, or giving back. Together, they form a full year of growth and exploration.
By the way, you don’t have to start in January to complete 52 Yesses. If you’ve found this list later in the year, you can jump in right where you are and work through the prompts from there. Alternatively, you can start with January’s Week 1 as your own Week 1, no matter the time of year.
Here’s your roadmap to a year of Yesses:
Yes to New Experiences
Start the year by stepping out of your comfort zone:
- Week 1 (Jan 1-7): Try a new food or recipe.
- Week 2 (Jan 8-14): Explore a new place in your town or nearby.
- Week 3 (Jan 15-21): Experiment with a new habit or routine.
- Week 4 (Jan 22-28): Join an event or group you wouldn’t normally attend.
Yes to Relationships
Build and strengthen connections:
- Week 5 (Jan 29-Feb 4): Say yes to reconnecting with an old friend.
- Week 6 (Feb 5-11): Spend uninterrupted time with a loved one.
- Week 7 (Feb 12-18): Reach out to a new acquaintance or coworker.
- Week 8 (Feb 19-25): Say yes to writing a handwritten note to someone you care about.
Yes to Creativity
Unleash your inner artist and dreamer:
- Week 9 (Feb 25 -Mar 3): Try a creative hobby like painting, photography, or knitting.
- Week 10 (Mar 4-10): Write something—a journal entry, poem, or short story.
- Week 11 (Mar 11-17): Attend a creative class or workshop.
- Week 12 (Mar 18-24): Create something imperfectly, just for fun.
Yes to Health
Take care of your body and mind:
- Week 13 (Mar 25-31): Try a new type of exercise or movement.
- Week 14 (Apr 1-7): Cook or meal-prep something healthy.
- Week 15 (Apr 8-14): Focus on drinking more water every day.
- Week 16 (Apr 15-21): Experiment with yoga, meditation, or another relaxing practice.
Yes to Nature
Reconnect with the world around you:
- Week 17 (Apr 22-28): Spend an hour outside.
- Week 18 (Apr 29-May 5): Plant something—flowers, herbs, or veggies.
- Week 19 (May 6-12): Watch a sunrise or sunset.
- Week 20 (May 13-19): Visit a park or hiking trail.
Yes to Learning
Expand your knowledge and skills:
- Week 21 (May 20-26): Read a book on a new topic.
- Week 22 (May 27-Jun 2): Learn something via YouTube or an online course.
- Week 23 (Jun 3-9): Say yes to visiting a museum or cultural site.
- Week 24 (Jun 10-16): Try something you’ve always been curious about.
Yes to Play
Rediscover joy and spontaneity:
- Week 25 (Jun 17-23): Play a board game, video game, or puzzle.
- Week 26 (Jun 24-30): Dance—even if it’s just at home.
- Week 27 (Jul 1-7): Do something silly or spontaneous.
- Week 28 (Jul 8-14): Try an outdoor game or sport.
Yes to Rest
Embrace downtime without guilt:
- Week 29 (Jul 15-21): Sleep in or take a nap.
- Week 30 (Jul 22-28): Spend an evening tech-free.
- Week 31 (Jul 29-Aug 4): Say no to something that drains you.
- Week 32 (Aug 5-11): Create a cozy relaxation space.
Yes to Giving Back
Focus on helping others and making a difference:
- Week 33 (Aug 12-18): Donate clothes or items you no longer need.
- Week 34 (Aug 19-25): Volunteer your time to a cause you care about.
- Week 35 (Aug 26-Sep 1): Support a small business or local organization.
- Week 36 (Sep 2-8): Offer help to someone in your community.
Yes to Facing Fears
Step outside your comfort zone:
- Week 37 (Sep 9-15): Say yes to taking the first step toward a dream or goal.
- Week 38 (Sep 16-22): Speak your mind kindly but confidently.
- Week 39 (Sep 23-29): Revisit a challenge you gave up on.
- Week 40 (Sep 30-Oct 6): Face a small fear and reflect on how it feels.
Yes to Gratitude
Cultivate an attitude of appreciation:
- Week 41 (Oct 7-13): Write down three things you’re grateful for daily.
- Week 42 (Oct 14-20): Express gratitude to someone directly.
- Week 43 (Oct 21-27): Appreciate something you often take for granted.
- Week 44 (Oct 28-Nov 3): Reflect on the positives in your year so far.
Yes to Reflection and Celebration
End the year with purpose and joy:
- Week 45 (Nov 4-10): Write a letter to your future self.
- Week 46 (Nov 11-17): Celebrate a small personal win.
- Week 47 (Nov 18-24): Reflect on how saying yes has changed you.
- Week 48 (Nov 25-Dec 1): Reward yourself for your growth and resilience.
Closing the Year of Yesses
As the year wraps up, focus on preparing for the next chapter:
- Week 49 (Dec 2-8): Say yes to writing a letter of gratitude to yourself.
- Week 50 (Dec 9-15): Dream big about the year ahead.
- Week 51 (Dec 16-22): Say yes to one last big opportunity of the year.
- Week 52 (Dec 23-31): Rest and celebrate the journey of your 52 weeks of yes.
