2018 is officially in the rear view mirror, and as you look ahead to the wide open road that is 2019 you ask yourself: is this the year I’ll keep my New Year’s resolutions past January? Statistically, the odds are against you, but that’s no reason not to give it your all. In fact, go ahead and put a stake in the ground. New Year’s resolution #1: Beat the odds.
Now, assuming you’ll be successful on #1, it’s time to fill out your list. We have a theory that one way to stick to your resolutions is to dust off some self-improvement goals from years past and put a GrowlerWerks spin on them. Here are a few to get your wheels turning.
Read more books. They say one of the best things you can do to keep your mind engaged and learn new things is to read. We couldn’t agree more, and our introductory list of beer books is an excellent place to start. It covers a great mix of topics, including books about beer history, style guides, cookbooks and musings on beer culture.
Spend more time outdoors. We’re big fans of hiking, camping, surfing, skiing or pretty much anything that gets us outside and breathing in fresh air. And we’re even bigger fans of taking breaks along the way to enjoy a cold beer. If you’ve had any hesitations in the past about making a commitment to enjoying the outdoors, we’re pretty sure having a uKeg full of your favorite beer with you will give you just the push you need.
Keep a journal. Fans of journaling say jotting down thoughts on a daily basis can improve mental health, declutter your brain and stoke creativity. It can also jog your memory if you use it for something like, say, keeping track of the craft beverages you drink this year. Imagine being able to flip back through the days and be reminded of all the different beers, ciders or cocktails you enjoyed with friends, on adventures, or just kicking it in your backyard. It’s a great way to remember your favorites (or steer clear of accidentally returning to the occasional dud).
Shrink your carbon footprint. While there may be debate about climate change and how much we need to do to protect the environment, there is one thing everyone can agree on: draft beer is delicious. The more you fill up your uKeg at breweries, pubs and growler stations, the fewer bottles and cans you’ll buy. Mama earth will thank you, and you’ll enjoy fresh beer all year long. Win-win.
Travel. Getting out to see the world is always a worthwhile goal, but designing your trips around exploring different breweries, cider houses or distilleries makes it all the more appealing. If you’re someone who likes a little extra structure around your travel plans, this could be the perfect solution. Check out our blog post on popular ale trails in the U.S. for inspiration.
Strengthen your friendships. This one is a no-brainer. Showing up to a friend’s house with a uKeg full of your favorite craft beer or cocktail is a non-verbal way of letting that person know they mean enough to you that you'll share your tasty drink. Good conversation and belly laughs are sure to follow.
Hopefully these suggestions will have you on your way to crushing your resolutions. 2019 is your year. We can feel it.