The One Thing I’m Buying to Actually Keep Me Accountable for My New Year’s Resolution

Woman sitting on sofa writing in notebook, with laptop, iPad, and phone nearby
Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Credit: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

I’ve always been a big resolution and goal-setting person, but until last year, I’d usually only make good on one or two resolutions. Some of that was because I was more reasonable about how many things I could accomplish in one year, but a lot of it was because I started writing everything down on a paper desk calendar I bought.

I love a daily planner and still use one, but a calendar on which I can note work events, hangouts with friends, workout classes, self-imposed deadlines, and even write a few sentences on the side about what I want to focus on for the entire month (i.e. staying consistent, trying to keep a positive attitude, etc.). It gives me a big-picture view that helps me stick to my schedule. I always break big resolutions down into smaller steps and writing down those smaller steps helps me stay accountable. In the past, I’ve thrown out my own plans to grab a drink with a friend or prioritized other people’s wants over mine. This is even more important this year because I’m training for a half-marathon right now and if I don’t get my runs in, I will have trouble crossing the finish line in a few months. I will have to say no to things, which I’m getting better at.

Because I write down everything I have going on before each month starts, including my training schedule, any writing classes I’m taking, and friend’s birthdays. I know exactly how busy I’m going to be, which gives me some peace. Of course, things do shift and move, because life happens, but desk calendars are the way I was able to complete all seven of my New Year’s resolutions last year. This year, I’m opting to buy this slightly more fun version from Amazon.

2024 Desk Calendar - Large
2024 Desk Calendar - Large


What is the 2024 Desk Calendar?

The 2024 Desk Calendar is a colorful paper calendar that covers January to December 2024. The pages are 17 inches by 12 inches and the calendar includes two hole punches at the top, so you can hang your calendar on a wall. It has a hard cardboard back, which gives the paper calendar stability. The pages can be torn off after each month goes by. There’s space on the side of each month for Top Priorities and other notes. There are also corner protectors, so the current month stays in place. The color-blocked style of this calendar is also eye-catching (each month features a different gradient!) and can double as decor.

<span> Credit: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Desk-Calendar-2022-2023-Cut-line-Protectors/dp/B09PYNV1CR/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Amazon.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Amazon.</a></span> <span class="copyright">Credit: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Desk-Calendar-2022-2023-Cut-line-Protectors/dp/B09PYNV1CR/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Amazon.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Amazon.</a></span>

What Amazon Reviewers Are Saying

Average Rating: 4.6/5

“I buy this calendar every year! The numbers are large & easy to read across the room. The color coding from day-to-day, week-to-week makes it easy & quick to use when scheduling. It functions as a large calendar without having to have a larger (space sucking) calendar in my office!” —Fred Corn

“Love this calendar! Using it on my desk and is easy to read, write in and the pages are thick and do not pull off/tear out easily so no accidental removal. Each day is big enough to place your appts and errands on and the colors are pretty and not identical each month. There is no wasted space and the added bonus of the tip protectors are brilliant and help to help to keep each page/month neat and tidy without curling up. I will definitely purchase this next year and may give as gifts as well.” —Kristina B.

“Great desk pad, just the right size. Love the colors over the usual plain white. The squares for each day are large, almost 2×2 so plenty of room to write your notes. also included is a extra area for notes as well. Very well made, heavy paper so no bleed thru. At least the markers I use are not bleeding thru. If you want a desk pad with color try this one, I love it!” —Kindle Customer

What I love about this particular desk calendar is that it is versatile. There’s space for me to write extra notes, it’s nice to look at, and it can also turn into a wall calendar. And I’m not the only one — 900 Amazon shoppers bought this in the last month. If you’re looking for a way to make your New Year’s Resolutions less daunting, I definitely recommend investing in a desk calendar.

Buy: 2024 Desk Calendar, Large, $8.99