As the calendar flips to a fresh year, countless people across the UK commit to traditional self-improvement pledges, from dry January and gym memberships to strict savings plans. Yet, for journalist Nicola Roy, a different and more enriching approach has proven life-changing over several years.
A Resolution of Addition, Not Deprivation
Instead of focusing on giving things up, Roy's philosophy centres on adding new experiences to her weekly routine. The concept is elegantly simple: each week, she aims to cook one new recipe, read a new book, listen to a new album from start to finish, and watch a film she has never seen before.
"The start of the year is challenging enough without denying yourself good things," Roy explains, having shared her method with the Express. This framework provides a manageable, small target for every week, with each completion offering a genuine sense of reward, particularly during the dark and gloomy winter months.
Practical Tips for Sticking to Your Weekly Goals
Roy acknowledges that reading a whole book weekly is often the toughest challenge. Her strategies include swapping mindless phone scrolling for reading on public transport and setting her alarm earlier to enjoy a book with her morning coffee. She strongly advocates joining your local library as a cost-effective way to access a endless stream of new material, alternating between her Kindle and physical books to maintain interest.
For the weekly film, the key is intentionality and immersion. Whether it's a cinema trip, a documentary on Netflix, or a classic DVD, the rule is to watch without the distraction of a phone. "It feels much more intentional than just flicking on the telly," says Roy, adding that it transforms an ordinary evening into a cosy occasion.
The cooking element leverages the wealth of inspiration many already have at their fingertips. Roy starts her year by sifting through recipe videos saved on TikTok and Instagram, creating a list to try. It's also the perfect excuse to dust off those unused cookbooks languishing on the shelf, treating them as a treasure trove of new culinary adventures.
Broadening Horizons and Creating a Personal Archive
The final pillar, listening to one new album in full, is designed to break the habit of playing the same songs on loop. This commitment broadens musical horizons and gives proper attention to artists or works that might have been missed. Roy recommends using streaming services like Spotify, but finds playing a CD or vinyl record to be a more enjoyable and focused experience.
A crucial part of the process is documenting everything. Jotting down recipe links, snapping photos of meals, and keeping a list of books and films creates a personal time capsule to reflect on later. There's no strict pressure to hit all four targets every single week—life can intervene—but the consistent effort is guaranteed to inject weekly doses of joy, creativity, and richness into your routine.
