The start of a new year is a great time to give your life a fresh start as well.
Whether it’s making inroads in your career or learning how to organize your finances, a new year's resolution can motivate you to make a positive change in your life.
So we’ve gathered some fun and challenging ideas for you to take on in the new year. From personal development projects to taking care of your health and home, you’ll be sure to find a new year’s resolution idea to improve an aspect of your life.
Tip: Write your new year’s goals down in your planner and make sure to schedule time for it. When your resolution is integrated into your daily routine, you’ll be more likely to achieve it.
Personal development resolutions
Have a calming morning routine
In the new year, resolve to get a positive start to your day with a calming morning routine. Write in your journal. Meditate. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast.
Do something out of your comfort zone
Taking small risks every now and then will help you get out of your comfort zone and broaden your perspective. Take a new-to-you class. Speak up in meetings. Or make plans with an acquaintance who seems cool.
Write in a gratitude journal
Keep a dedicated gratitude notebook by your bedside. Jot down things, people, little moments, anything you are grateful for. You’ll notice that a gratitude practice will start to soften your perspective on life, and help you appreciate everything you have going on.
Learn a new language
You’ve been meaning to learn French, so why not start now? Sign up for DuoLingo. Take language classes. Or meet up with people in your local community to practice speaking with each other.
Manage your finances
Track your expenses. Create a budget. Find a savings plan that works for you. And listen to personal finance podcasts and sign up for newsletters to help you stay informed and motivated.
Career resolutions
Develop a niche
Having an expertise in something will help you stand out at your company or in your field. Lean into your skills and interests. Or ask people you trust to help you determine where your strengths and talents lie.
Make friends with people at work or in your field
Networking can feel awkward and cringey. Make it easier by approaching it the way you would make genuine friendships with people outside of work. Who would you genuinely like to get to know? Who do you get along with? Whose work do you respect and admire?
Mentor someone at work
And make sure to be looking out for others in your field. Offer to mentor the interns or train the junior members of your team. They’ll be thankful for your insight and you’ll get to see your industry from a different perspective.
Start laying the groundwork for a promotion
Promotions don’t happen overnight. Start planning now so that by the time your performance review comes along, you’ll be seen as a strong candidate for a higher role. So get regular feedback from your manager to know what to improve. Offer to take on new responsibilities. Try to problem solve your manager’s biggest headaches so that you can be seen as someone who can get things done.
Learn a new skill
What skill do you need to get to the next level in your career? Whether it’s public speaking or graphic design or video, start taking classes to develop that skill.
Home and organizing resolutions
Complete a house project
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do? Maybe it’s transforming that shed into a writing office. Or planting a garden. Or repainting your kitchen. Don’t forget to make a plan and a budget.
Have a weekly decluttering session
Set your timer for 15 minutes and do a cleaning/organizing sprint.
Create a “vibe” for your home
Interior decorating can feel intimidating but designing a “vibe” for your home feels much more accessible. Brainstorm words or moods that you’re going for: cozy, cabin, English cottage, and use that as your north star.
Have a meal plan for the week
Save money on groceries and create a meal plan for the week. Use a notebook to keep track of recipes, ingredients, and grocery lists.
Learn a new recipe a month
Get out of your cooking rut and master a new recipe a month.
Self-care, health, and fitness resolutions
Book your medical appointments and exams for the year
Set aside time to make your medical and dental appointments. You’ll be so glad to get it out of the way and your body will thank you for it, too.
Join a fitness class
Having trouble sticking to fitness resolutions? A group fitness class, like a dance class or running group, can be a lot more fun and convivial, and help you commit to your goals.
Do one relaxing thing a day
Even if you’re having one of those crazy days at work, try to reserve at least 10 or 15 minutes to relax. Knit. Color in a coloring book. Or do nothing and let yourself zone out.
Spend time in nature at least once a week
Nothing helps you decompress like being out in nature. Take a walk in the park. Go to the beach. Or visit your local community garden.
Have a fitness buddy
Stay accountable to your fitness goals by having a running or workout buddy.
Relationships and community resolutions
Send handwritten cards
Everyone loves receiving snail mail. So send handwritten birthday cards and thank you notes to friends and loved ones.
Check-in with friends
Even good friendships need regular TLC. So plan a FaceTime with them or send a text to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Volunteer
Make a difference in your community by volunteering at an animal shelter. Or teaching English. Or tutoring kids.
Start a Little Library
Spread the joy of reading and set up a Little Library in your apartment building or neighborhood.
Put your phone away
Be present with loved ones or coworkers and put your phone away when hanging out with them.
Written by JiJi Lee
