Goals Every Catholic Single Should Make This New Year

New Year’s is one of my favorite times.

I love the excitement, possibility, and opportunity that comes with the start of a new calendar year. No matter what the last year was like, there is the hope of new experiences and adventures and lessons to learn.

For myself, I see the approaching new year as a time to dream and think about my goals for the coming year. While I don’t love the term “New Year's Resolutions,” I do love making intentional goals to help guide where I want the next year to go.

Looking at dating and relationships, setting goals, and being intentional with what we want or wish to work on can help us get the results we are looking for. 

What are some good intentional goals for Catholic Singles as we head into 2022?

Here are a few things to get you thinking and planning …

Have some professional photos taken (and use them on your dating profiles!)

Think about investing a little extra money in yourself by having some professional photos taken. Some nice photos are one way to spice up your online dating profile...and maybe your Facebook profile picture. Ask for recommendations among friends, you might be surprised to find someone in your area who can be flexible with your price point.

Try a new dating site (or two!)

The reality is that the more exposure you have on different dating sites, the higher your chances of meeting someone you would like to date. If online dating has left you feeling burnt out or frustrated, think about adding a new app or dating site (or two!) to the mix. You might end up being surprised.

Give your profile a refresh.

Are there some ways you can freshen up your current profile? Add pictures of your latest travel adventures? Change your profile picture to the one where the lighting is more flattering? Answer some new questions?

Do something to give your profile a new spark. Give a man or woman a reason to stay on your profile longer.

Ask, where do I need to grow this year?

Self-awareness is important at any age, whether single, dating, or married. When we know ourselves better, we can understand who we are at a deeper core level; which in turn, will benefit a future partner in a dating relationship.

Take time for some reflection, asking yourself: How can I become more fully who God created me to be this year? Where do I need to grow? What are my blind spots? What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Be brave and put yourself out there.

Being brave will look different for each of us. Look at your life and be open to opportunities to be brave. Go take yourself out to a nice lunch and bring a good book. Try a young adult event without having someone to go to. Check out the improv class. Take the plunge and sign up for CrossFit.

Whatever it is, be brave and try something new.

Try a new hobby.

Last winter in the height of the pandemic, I decided to take the plunge and try CrossFit. While I am still working on my rope climbs and pull up’s, I found the thing that my morning exercise routine needed. For you maybe it is a cooking class at your local community college or joining a running club. Maybe it is taking a creative writing class or joining a neighborhood book club.

Make a dating plan.

I am a habitual planner. Goal planning is the peanut butter to my jelly. 

Sometimes I think online dating can feel frustrating because we approach it without having a plan. For myself, I found more success, enjoyment, and fun in dating when I had a plan.

Decide how much time you can commit daily and weekly to online dating. How much time will I spend looking at messages and profiles each night? How many new people will you message a week? How many dates do I want to go on in a month?

Make a plan that is reasonable and fits with your life while still giving you space to have fun and enjoy your life right now.

Hopefully, once you are armed with this list, you can seize the excitement of this new year and make it one of your best years yet!