As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your hobbies, interests, and passions and set goals that align with them. For those of us who identify as nerds or geeks, New Year’s resolutions can be an opportunity to level up our fandoms, dive deeper into our favorite worlds, or tackle projects we’ve been putting off. Whether you’re a gamer, a tech enthusiast, a bookworm, or a pop culture aficionado, here are some nerdy and geeky resolutions to inspire your new year.
1. Conquer Your To-Be-Read (TBR) Pile
If your bookshelves (physical or digital) are overflowing with unread books, make the new year you tackle your TBR pile. Whether it’s finishing a beloved series, exploring a new genre, or finally reading that classic sci-fi or fantasy novel everyone’s been talking about, set a goal to read a certain number of books each month. Use apps like Goodreads or StoryGraph to track your progress and join book clubs or online communities for motivation.
2. Complete Your Gaming Backlog
Gamers, this one’s for you. If your library is full of unplayed or unfinished titles, resolve to make this year you chip away at your backlog. Prioritize games that have been sitting on your shelf (or hard drive) for years, or commit to finishing one major RPG before buying anything new. Pro tip: Set a monthly gaming goal, such as completing one indie game or reaching a certain milestone in a larger title.
3. Build or Upgrade Your Tech
Have you been dreaming of building your own gaming PC, upgrading your home office setup, or diving into a new tech hobby like 3D printing or programming? Make the new year you turn that dream into reality. Start by researching the components or tools you need, setting a budget, and dedicating time each month to work on your project. For extra geek cred, document your progress on social media or a personal blog.
4. Attend a Convention
If you’ve always wanted to attend a comic-con, gaming expo, or other nerdy gathering, set a resolution to make it happen in 2024. Research events in your area (or plan a trip to a major convention like San Diego Comic-Con or Dragon Con), and start saving for tickets, travel, and cosplay supplies. Not only will you meet like-minded fans, but you’ll also create memories that last a lifetime.
5. Create Something in Your Fandom
Channel your love for your favorite fandom into a creative project. Whether it’s writing fanfiction, designing fan art, crafting cosplay, or making videos for YouTube or TikTok, use this year to express your creativity. Challenge yourself to learn new skills, collaborate with others, or participate in community events like NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or Inktober.
6. Explore New Nerdy Interests
Step out of your comfort zone and explore a new geeky hobby or interest. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to play Dungeons & Dragons, start collecting retro video games, or get into astrophotography. Pick one or two new areas to dive into this year, and don’t be afraid to embrace the learning curve. Who knows? You might discover your next great passion.
7. Watch (or Rewatch) Classic Series and Films
Have you been meaning to watch a classic series like Star Trek, Doctor Who, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Or maybe there’s a cult-favorite film or anime you’ve never seen. Use the new year to catch up on these cultural touchstones. Create a watchlist, invite friends to join you for viewing parties, or share your thoughts online as you explore these iconic works.
8. Level Up Your Skills
Geek culture often overlaps with DIY and tech-savvy hobbies. If you’ve ever wanted to learn a specific skill—like coding, soldering, sewing, or model painting—make it a priority this year. Take online classes, watch YouTube tutorials, or join a local makerspace. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of completing your own projects.
9. Organize Your Collection
From Funko Pops to comic books to board games, nerds are known for their collections. In the new year, resolve to declutter, organize, and display your treasures in a way that sparks joy. Invest in shelves, storage solutions, or display cases, and consider cataloging your collection with an app or spreadsheet. This is also a great time to donate or sell items you no longer need to make room for future finds.
10. Give Back to the Community
The nerd and geek community thrives on collaboration and support. Consider giving back by volunteering at a local library, teaching coding workshops, or donating to charities that promote STEM education or access to gaming. Participating in charity events like Extra Life (a gaming marathon for children’s hospitals) is another fantastic way to combine your passions with a good cause.
11. Improve Your Cosplay Skills
If you’re a cosplayer or aspire to be one, set a goal to improve your craft in the new year. Whether it’s mastering a new technique, creating a dream costume, or participating in a cosplay contest, use the year to hone your skills. Join online forums, watch tutorials, and connect with other cosplayers to share tips and tricks.
12. Dive Deeper into Science and Education
For those who love science, technology, and history, the new year can be a year of learning. Subscribe to science podcasts, attend lectures or planetarium shows, or take online courses in subjects that fascinate you. Building knowledge in areas like astronomy, robotics, or history can deepen your appreciation for the world around you.
14. Join a Community
Nerdy hobbies are often more fun when shared with others. Resolve to join a club, guild, or online community that aligns with your interests. Whether it’s a local board game group, a website for your favorite fandom, or a Twitch streaming community, connecting with others can enrich your experience and help you make new friends.
Conclusion
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be boring or clichéd. For nerds and geeks, the new year offers a chance to embrace your passions, explore new interests, and make meaningful progress on personal projects. Whether you’re conquering a backlog, building a dream setup, or giving back to the community, these resolutions can help you make 2024 your nerdiest and most fulfilling year yet. So grab your planner, set your goals, and get ready to geek out!
