As we step into a New Year, many of us pause to reflect on what truly matters. Our values, our connections, and the impact we have on the world around us. As Humanists in Scotland, this moment of renewal is rooted in compassion, reason, and shared humanity, values that sit at the heart of everything we do at the Fuze Foundation and Fuze Ceremonies.
As a Humanist celebrant organisation in Scotland, we see every day how meaningful moments. Wedding ceremonies, funeral ceremonies, or life celebrations are shaped by connection, kindness, and understanding. Our five core purposes – promoting humanism, compassion, equality, education, and remembrance – remind us that new beginnings don’t require grand resolutions. Often, it’s the smallest, most human acts that create lasting change.
So, as 2026 begins, this isn’t about setting perfect goals or chasing self-improvement. It’s about renewal: beginning again with honesty, humour, and purpose. With that in mind, curious (and mildly sceptical), I asked Google for the most common New Year’s resolutions. The results appeared like old friends at a reunion – same faces, same promises, same “maybe next year.”
Top 10 New Year Resolution Challenge!
I have compiled the Top 10 and then interpreted it as a challenge for me for 2026. To add flair, imagine these read aloud by Fluff (Alan Freeman) himself.
Queue music…
Straight in at Number 10 – Learning a New Skill!
My version: “10 minutes of micro-learning a day.”
Translation: Ten minutes of vaguely educational scrolling and before getting distracted by… Nordic socks.
Down one to Number 9 – Getting Organised!
Thinking about this was a bit overwhelming. I went down a rabbit hole of everything that could be better organised – from sorting the linen cupboard to reorganising the NHS. Let’s start small – the linen cupboard it is.
Coming in Number 8 – Quitting Bad Habits!
Now which bad habit should I choose? I don’t smoke, so I’ll try quitting something equally toxic: saying “So…” at the start of every sentence.
At Number 7 – Eating Healthier!
I already do, thank you very much. Let’s move on before I ruin it with snacks.
Sneaking in at Number 6 – Spending More Time with Family and Friends!
Do I have to? Who’s idea was this challenge? Alright, I’ll reach out to at least one person by summer. Jokes aside, life’s hard — and connection matters more than ever.
Newly in at Number 5…reducing stress!
Shhhh, I’m meditating.
An old favourite staying at Number 4…doing more exercise!
Burpees, squat jumps, ski-erg … help. I should smash this one as I’ve been roped into Hyrox in March (literally roped in). Terrifying, but here we go.
And down to Number 3…saving money / getting out of debt!
A big one — and a reminder of why the Fuze Foundation exists. Over 20 million people in the UK are financially vulnerable and wouldn’t have funds to cover a funeral. This is why our work in tackling inequality and hardship matters.
Keeping its place at Number 2…losing weight!
Ah yes, the classic. “Definitely going to lose that 10kg.” Definitely. Maybe. Pass the celery.
And finally at Number 1… drinking more water!
I love that this made the list. A close family member once said, “We didn’t need to drink water 20 years ago — why now?” Challenge accepted: one extra litre a day. I can do that. Probably.
So — are you in? Join me for the Top 10 New Year Resolution Challenge and let’s see how far we get.
Here’s to a 2026 filled with reflection, kindness, and real human connection — not just resolutions that fade by February.
Inspired to start the year with compassion and purpose?
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About the Author
Anne Widdop founded the Fuze Foundation in 2012 and continues to play an active role in shaping its work and values. A committed Humanist, Anne believes deeply in compassion, equality, diversity, and freedom of expression — and approaches New Year’s resolutions with healthy optimism and a realistic sense of humour.
