7 Surprising Ways Your Pet Turtle Can Help You Meet New Year’s Goals
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When I got my turtle, I never thought he’d become my little life coach. Turns out, his slow, steady ways taught me a lot about crushing my goals. If you’ve got a turtle, or even if you’re thinking about getting one, here’s how they can help you tackle those New Year’s resolutions.
1. Turtles Teach Patience
Turtles aren’t in a rush—ever. Watching mine slowly munch on lettuce reminded me that goals aren’t about instant results.
When I started learning to cook healthier meals, I channeled my turtle’s pace. I stopped rushing and gave myself grace when it wasn’t perfect. Little by little, I improved.
Goal Connection: Patience helps with weight loss, saving money, or learning any new skill.
2. They Keep You on a Routine
My turtle needs to eat every day at the same time. It forced me to stick to a schedule.
Once I got used to feeding him at 8 AM, I added morning yoga right after. His routine became my routine. Now, I can’t skip it without feeling guilty!
Pro Tip: Pair your turtle care time with a healthy habit like stretching, journaling, or drinking water.
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
3. Encourage Mindful Moments
Have you ever watched a turtle bask under their heat lamp? It’s like they’re meditating.
When my turtle zones out, I take it as a cue to slow down. I started sitting quietly for a few minutes with him every evening. It’s become my favorite way to de-stress.
Why It Matters: Being mindful helps you avoid burnout, especially if you’re juggling big goals.
4. Turtles Keep You Moving
Turtles need clean tanks and a cozy setup. That means I’m often carrying water, scrubbing tanks, or rearranging things to make his space better.
It’s like sneaky exercise. I count those chores as part of my daily activity, and it adds up. Bonus: I’ve started doing mini workouts while waiting for the tank to fill up!
| Tank Chore | Calories Burned (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Scrubbing Glass | 80 in 15 minutes |
| Changing Water | 50 in 10 minutes |
| Rearranging Rocks | 60 in 10 minutes |
5. Turtles Are Great Conversation Starters
“Wait, you have a turtle?!” That’s how almost every conversation about my pet begins.
People are curious, and sharing funny stories about my turtle helps me connect. I’ve even met new friends who are also turtle owners!
Quick Tip: Post a photo of your turtle on social media. You’ll be surprised how many people comment.
6. They Build Responsibility
Taking care of a turtle is no joke. They need the right lighting, temperature, and food to thrive.
This taught me to stay consistent with my responsibilities. If I can manage my turtle’s habitat, surely I can handle my own life goals.
Try This: Create a checklist for your turtle’s care and your own daily habits side by side. Cross them off together!
7. They Inspire Creativity
Decorating my turtle’s tank is like creating an underwater paradise. I’ve tried different plants, rocks, and even mini hideouts for him.
This inspired me to revamp my workspace. Now, I have a calmer, more organized desk that actually makes me want to work on my goals.
Pro Tip: Add a touch of nature to your space—plants, a small fountain, or even a tiny turtle figurine.
Final Thoughts
My turtle might not give pep talks or cheer me on, but he’s helped me in ways I never expected. From building routines to teaching patience, these little guys are surprisingly inspiring.
So, if you’re struggling with your New Year’s goals, take a cue from your shelled friend. Slow and steady wins the race!
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
