Let’s make our New Year’s Resolutions all about pleasure this year, shall we?
Why? Simply put: pleasure is more sustainable than obligation.
You can make pleasure its own virtue, because when you feel good, it’s much easier to help others around you feel good, too.
So here are 10 sex resolutions you’ll actually want to keep – pick one that speaks to you, or shoot for all 10, you overachiever!
1. I will masturbate.
There are SO many health benefits to masturbation. Stress reduction. Better sleep. Fewer headaches! Go acoustic (using just your hands) or use a toy: as long as it’s hitting your feel-good spots, you’re doing it right.
2. I will have a sex talk.
The bottom line: having a sex talk is a form of liberation, for yourself and for the culture at large. AND the more you talk about sex, the more likely you are to have great sex.
3. I will appreciate my body.
Reprogramming our brains to not just accept but truly appreciate – even celebrate – our bodies takes time, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Start by focusing on what your body does for you rather than how it looks. It carries you through life, gives you pleasure, and allows you to connect with others. Practicing gratitude for your body, one small thought at a time, can lead to a deeper sense of self-love and confidence, both in and out of the bedroom.
4. I will explore kink.
Curiosity is key to a fulfilling sex life, and kink is a great way to discover new layers of pleasure and connection. Start small, communicate openly, and remember: exploring your desires is about fun, consent, and finding what excites you.
5. I will try a new sex position.
I mean…nothing against Missionary. But there’s a whole wide world of sex acrobatics out there, just calling your name! Check out the Sex Positions Guide for some hot inspo.
6. I will bring something sensory into sex.
Aka, flavored lube (taste), sexy music (sound), ice cubes in the mouth (touch) – you can do this! Really, you can. Do you want to go your whole life not knowing what it’s like for your partner’s genitals to taste like creme brulee? Me neither.
7. I will watch a sex-positive show.
The world of sex edu-tainment is at an all-time high right now: Sex Lives of College Girls, Sex Education – just put “sex” into the Netflix search bar! You’re going to find lots of quality options, and what’s more, you’re going to normalize sex talks (see resolution #2) for yourself, and maybe for a partner too.
8. I will buy myself a new sex toy.
I probably don’t have to talk you into this one. But do know that whether you have a vulva or a penis, there’s a sex toy out there for you. Let your fingers do the shopping and go for something that excites you. It’s also the perfect time to try something new!
9. I will accept my sexual fantasies.
Naughty schoolgirl? Threesomes? Furries? It’s all good! When we say “yes” to our fantasies, whether or not we act on them, a special kind of alchemy happens. Pleasure becomes our teacher, revealing who we are, what excites us, and how colorful our imagination can be.
Fantasies don’t have to be shadowy, taboo secrets that we swat away at their insistent emergence – rather, we can allow them to mentally unspool, partaking in all the pleasure they can provide us. Fantasy = pretend, something we were encouraged to do as kids. Now that you’re all grown up, repeat after me: It’s OK for me to pretend.
Reminder: there are SO many healthy ways to explore fantasies. Not sure where to get started? Try ethical porn to find something that tickles your fancy. (Or should we say, fantasy?)
10. I will prioritize growth in my sexuality.
Your sexuality isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a journey, a spectrum, and a part of your identity that evolves throughout your life. Prioritizing growth means being open to learning, unlearning, and experimenting with what feels authentic to you. This could look like reading a book on sexual wellness or joining a supportive community like SmartSX. SmartSX is a space where you can connect with like-minded individuals, learn practical tools for sexual confidence, and discover your unique pleasure style. Growth is about progress, not perfection, and communities like this make the journey even more rewarding.
Feeling excited? Yeah you are. Say helloooo to the new year, and have the time of your life checking each one off the list. Happy New Year!!