2021 Resolutions for Every Investment Banker

The New Year is upon us (finally). Feels like we’ve been waiting for this one for quite some time. So, you know what that means? We’re going to ask you what your New Year’s resolution is. As an investment banker, we know you probably don’t have the time to think about this. Sure, you’re sick of hearing “this year has been unprecedented,” but it has! This is why we’re encouraging you to start the new year with some subtle changes.  Spare us the eye rolls, you know there’s something you want to change, even if it’s subconsciously, like “be less tired.”

Not sure where to start? You know we’ve got you covered on how you can be a better version of this “work from home” monster you’ve become. Not only will we be implementing these tidbits in our everyday lives, but we hope you do the same.  

New Years Resolutions You Can Implement:  

First, we almost feel like taking that back. “Resolutions” sounds intimidating. Let’s call them “actions.” Here are some actions you can literally partake in once you read this list.  

1. Workout

We’re not telling you that you should go and get on that ridiculously long wait timeline for a new Peloton (even though we did wait 9 weeks for ours – also makes for a great clothing rack!). But you need to get moving a little. It’s almost been a year that we’ve been working from home, so it seems like this might be something we need to get used to.  

Whether it’s going for a walk, attending a group Zoom class, or building your own at-home gym, we support you. This will not only help you physically but mentally it can get you out of any funks you might be in. Moving around is also proven to help your focus, so if not for you, do it for that paycheck.  

2. Focus

We know, we know. Easier said than done. But these past few months we’ve learned just how easy it is to get distracted at home. If you thought the office was distracting, try having your building go under construction and jackhammering sounds in the background of all your Zoom calls. Yes, this actually happened, but what we really mean is that life happens. Here are a few ways to stay focused on your tasks at hand without interruption:  

• Block out time on your calendar for tasks – this way no one calls you to chat about the latest Netflix sensation (Bridgerton).  PRIVACY PLEASE.
• Noise-canceling headphones – this is huge for not hearing your roommate making sales call or hearing the beautiful sounds of the outdoors while trying to concentrate.  
• Background music – along with the noise-canceling headphones, it’s always nice to turn something on that helps you stay focused. Nothing you can tap your feet to, or sing along to. Just some white noise. 

3. Clean

Did you just look around your workspace? That was the point. Now, we’re not trying to sound like your nagging mother, but keeping a clean work surface can be huge for multiple parts of your life. Sure, it’ll help you focus when working, but it’ll also be aesthetically pleasing to look at – work or no work. Start small and work your way up. Maybe your new year resolution (we mean action) can be waking up and making your bed every day.  

Don’t look at it as cleaning, look at it as doing something for yourself every morning. Who knows, you might even find the remote to your tv now.  

4. Get new socks

Or any random item of clothing that you’ve been putting off. Is it just us, or is it deeply irritating to have to buy your own socks? Either one always goes missing in the wash, you don’t have enough no-show socks for your loafers, or you’re missing mismatched fuzzy socks for your wfh look.  OR you just have socks with holes. Is this just us?

5. Read more

And actually, finish the book you pick up. Don’t give up on it. It can be easy to pick up a book and get discouraged by the first few chapters, but 9 times out of 10, it’ll be worth it. Unless you decided to read a book with a horrible ending (we have a few in mind, but don’t want to ruin any endings for you). We also put a list of reads together that we enjoy, you can check them out here!

Not a book person? Instead, pick up a morning newsletter sent directly into your inbox and read that diligently every day over your morning coffee. It’ll serve as a good time before the chaos of the morning meetings, emails you missed from last night, etc. Get your head in the right mind space before jumping into your day. 

6. Implement better sleep habits

This does not mean that you should drink another glass of wine before bed to help knock you out. Let’s make 2021 the year of healthy sleep. Here’s what we mean by better sleep:  

• More light – yup, you read that right. Exposing yourself to more bright lights during the day will help you sleep better at night. Sunlight or even bright artificial lights can improve your sleep quality because it improves your daytime energy, therefore making you more ready for bed at night.  
• Reduce blue light – yes, we just told you to increase your lights but this does not mean more screens. You can wear blue light glasses or download specific apps that help with your screens. Another good point is to stop watching TV and turn off bright lights 2 hours before bedtime.  
• Put a pause on the coffee – we’re sorry but you should put down that 3 pm cup of coffee, we know it’s tempting. No explanation here, just common sense.  
• Get rid of that lunchtime nap – again, self-explanatory. Just wait till the end of the day!  
• White noise machine or fan – sometimes all we need to sleep better are some soothing and comforting sounds in the background to rock us to sleep.  
• Temperature – Healthline told us that the average temperature for a night of comfortable sleep is around 70 degrees (you’re insane if you sleep in anything above 65 but, sure whatever you say Healthline). Really it’s up to you and your body!

7. Drink more water

This one is tricky. It’s tricky because you cannot even get annoyed at it: it’s obvious. So, why don’t we drink more water? Because we like to suffer. Kidding (but not). Start this way: why not log the amount of water you DO take in in one day and then add to it? We’re not talking about the ice that’s leftover at the bottom of your iced coffee, we mean real glasses, 8 ounces, of water. Simply, add one to that number per week and see if that helps you! You need to start balancing out all that (morning) coffee and (evening!!) alcohol.

8. Call people at least once a week 

This one might be our favorite because who picks up the phone anymore (not work-related)? Once a week maybe hop on the phone with a family member and catch up. Feeling crazy? Why not reach out to an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while? That’ll be sure to brighten your day, we guarantee it.  

9. Go to the dentist

…wait this is just on my to-do list.  

But seriously, it is dreadful going to doctors’ offices. Have you been putting off teeth cleanings? Maybe getting your eyesight checked? How about that mole on your back? Be proactive and schedule those doctors’ appointments this year.  

You Got This!

Hopefully, this made you laugh a bit. But we are serious about our suggestions here. They’re all probably some smart things we can take charge of in 2021. And just maybe, they are actionable items that we can keep up for the whole year. Did you know that the average life of a New Years’ resolution a little over a month? Reports say that 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February (we feel attacked). Let’s prove them wrong and have an awesome year.