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.

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.

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.