Every New Year so many people try to throwaway their bad habits and improve on the good ones. New Year Resolutions are individual promises to oneself and a decision to do something, especially to improve your behaviour.
The idea of listing a New Year resolution is to set goals and work towards achieving it before the year runs out. Here in this posts are best New Year resolution ideas as a guide on some self and life changes to make you a better version of yourself.
#1. New Year Goals
Set a Reading Goal
For adults, reading books is crucial to our self-development. But whenever we get busy, that good book is often the first thing we neglect in favor of more pressing tasks. This year, make a list of your must-read titles—and vow to finish them all. Subscription services like Book of the Month are incredibly helpful for finding new reading material. Pick a new book each month and it gets shipped right to your house—couldn’t be easier.
Dream Bigger
Reflect on your current dreams and aspirations and ask yourself if they’re truly as big as they can be. Create your next, positive life phase by training yourself to think beyond what you imagine you can achieve.
Cast doubt aside, concentrate only on what you love and that which makes you most fulfilled, and open yourself up to new possibilities in the coming year.
Stop Procrastinating
The biggest barrier that keeps most people from reaching their goals is the desire to relax and do something fun instead of working hard. Once you get used to procrastinating, it’s difficult to snap yourself out of it, so you’ll need to put in a lot of work to change this bad habit. Start imagining how you’ll feel if you actually tackled all the stuff you’ve been putting off.
There are many useful tips out there to find your way to stop procrastinating, but the best advice is to make a to-do list each day so that you know exactly what you need to get done.
#2. Simple New Year Resolutions
Live Happily
Many people spend a good portion of their lives saying, “I’ll be happy when…” Don’t wait to be, or get, happy. Instead, keep healthy habits, focus on staying positive, and let go of too-stringent or unattainable ambitions while acknowledging there may still be achievable goals you’d like to attain during the upcoming year.
Drink More Water
Healthy adult females and males should drink roughly 11 cups and 15 cups, respectively, of water every day. If you’re way under this amount, start drinking more water in the New Year. If you’re not a huge fan of plain H20, infuse it with cucumber and/or fruits and herbs for added health benefits and great taste.
Prioritize Your Health
Health should always be a top priority. Grab a calendar and schedule doctor’s appointments—including a physical, pap smear, dermatologist’s visit—and two teeth cleanings.
Declutter Your Space
A clean home is a happy home. Quell anxiety and stress by tidying up and decluttering everything around you. Tackle the refrigerator, cabinets, messy drawers, desks, and closets. Toss everything you haven’t used in six months, donate what you don’t love or need, and get ready to celebrate the New Year with new clarity and peace of mind.
Spend Time With Yourself
Although humans are social beings, learning to be solitary and do things alone isn’t always second-nature. It’s perfectly okay to keep yourself company and forego socializing to get familiar with numero uno, which we’re all getting a lot more comfortable with in recent. Flying solo, whether it’s to see a movie, dine out, or go on vacation helps build independence and self-confidence. This year, try forcing yourself out of your comfort zone and do something you wouldn’t normally do without your squad in tow.
Give Up Vices
While smoking, drinking, and unhealthy eating are the usual suspects, other bad habits may be festering for you, such as avoidance, self-sabotaging, or constant worrying. These can fly under the radar and rob you of your happiness just the same. Resolve to carve out time to identify and understand your bad habits, whatever they are, and finally break them for good.
Get Better Sleep
It’s not just how long you sleep, but also the quality of your rest. Vow to develop better sleep hygiene so the z’s you catch aren’t hindering your health but duly preparing you for the day ahead. Looking for a smarter way to catch some shuteye? Our editor’s tried the Hatch Restore Alarm Clock, which is a clock, sound machine, and sunrise lamp all in one—and will never go back.
Spread Kindness
A little kindness make the world a better place. There’s actually scientific evidence that being kind makes you feel calmer, healthier, and happier—and it’s also contagious. Random acts of kindness can include buying coffee for the person waiting in line behind you or paying someone a nice compliment. To help make it a daily practice, download a free Kindness Calendar from RandomActsofKindness.org, a nonprofit that invests its resources into making kindness the norm in schools, workplaces, and beyond.
#3. Important New Year Resolutions
Be More Responsible
A big part of growing up into a mature adult is the ability to think before making a decision. It is important to take responsibility for ones actions and avoid blaming everything on someone else, just as it is important to protect your family and help provide for them.
Better Your Budgeting
While coming up with a budget isn’t necessarily the most fun thing to do (unless you’re a numbers person), not knowing where your cash has gone and being unable to cover your monthly expenses is even less so. Budgeting for social gatherings and incidentals (unexpected dinners out, new clothes, a locksmith’s visit) means you won’t have to change old habits too much. Use an online management tool or app, such as Mint and Clarity Money, or use a spreadsheet template to help set short and long-term goals.
Develop Confidence
If you are confident, other people notice it, and it is much easier to have your opinions heard, ask people out on dates, and get ahead at work. A good dose of self-confidence will help you lead a much happier life overall. Building confidence involves positive self-talk, focusing on your achievements, and seeing failure as an opportunity.
Save Money
Once you have your debt under control, it’s time to start putting some money aside. A rainy day fund and some extra money that can go towards traveling abroad, fixing up the house or buying a new car are a welcome change of pace. Make use of these hacks and apps to save money efficiently.
Stay Present
Obviously, being present can be a herculean task for even most individuals. Resolve to slow down this year, practice mindfulness, and go easy on the multitasking, or you could miss some amazing things happening right in front of you.
#4. Good New Year Resolutions
Move Your Body
Keeping it moving doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sweat through a high-intensity workout. Rather, it simply suggests one should be mobile—not sedentary—to get that blood flowing every single day. Moving your body on a daily basis boosts endurance and cardiovascular health, and is even great for your mind. Next year, vow to increase movement by walking rather than driving somewhere, for example, and try to hit 10,000 steps a day. Bottom line: increase your physical activity, and you’ll experience obvious health benefits.
Get Over an Ex
It may be better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved, but it still hurts like crazy. Healing a broken heart is a process that takes time, but there are tricks to make it through this difficult time without too much pain, and it starts with self-care.
Learn to Control Your Emotions
Uncontrolled anger can get you into a lot of trouble, but things like jealousy and pride are destructive in all circumstances, so it’s a good New Year’s resolution to control your emotions. Gaining control over your feelings allows you to keep a level head and think more rationally, even during emotionally charged conflict situations.
Learn More About Music, Art, and Culture
The best way to fit in when talking to a variety of people from different backgrounds is to have a well-rounded education. Topics like art, music, history, and culture often baffle people, but they can be easy to comprehend if you spend enough time learning about them using helpful websites and online courses.
Spend Less Time on Social Media
Some people might not spend hours in front of the TV, or playing video games, but social media has become a serious addiction among a wide range of demographics. It’s fine to stay in touch with friends and family, but if you consistently spend more than an hour every day on social media, it’s time to make a change and add this to your list of good New Year’s resolutions.
Care for Something
Sure, we all need to practice self-care to live our best lives, but what about nurturing something other than yourself? If you’re not currently the parent of a plant, pet, or any other living thing, then spend the upcoming year trying it out. A 2016 study revealed that taking care of pets, for example, decreases anxiety, promotes a sense of safety, and increases confidence. Certain houseplants, too, have been shown to improve well-being, raise productivity, and lower blood pressure.
Make Time for Self-Care
If you feel like you have tons of commitments that aren’t always for you, carve out some solid “me” time in the year ahead by trying a new hobby—or resurrecting an old one—such as cooking, making art, or reading a good book.
Make New Friends
Okay, we admit that it’s not always easy to make new friends (especially in times like these), but there’s no reason to stop trying. Join a new Facebook group for a group you’re interested in, or volunteer your time to an organization in need—others may also be trying to meet new people, too, which can alleviate some of the pressure.
Manage Stress
If left unchecked, stress and anxiety can go unnoticed for some time, and later manifest themselves in physical and emotional ways. Instead of waiting for them to rear their ugly heads, learn stress management and reduction techniques now. Some meditate, others practice yoga, and many exercise to combat stress.
Catch Up With Family
Take time to appreciate loved ones via a simple phone or Zoom call. Check in with those close to you, especially older relatives, if only to say you love them and are grateful for their presence in your life. Not only will it make a sister’s, grandparents’, or cousin’s day, strong family ties contribute to happiness and physical health.
Try a New Look
A fun way to start off the year is trying out something different, right? Play with a new hair color, style or cut, as well as new ideas for your personal style.
Stop the FOMO
Despite the fact that you’ve missed out on events this past year, look within and realize that whatever you did get to experience was amazing and there are great things to experience in the future.
Take some “me” time to relax, recharge, and find gratitude for the things you have experienced, rather than harp on what you missed.
Nurture True Friendships
Having many acquaintances is nice until you realize that a super-small portion of them will have your back through thick and thin. Resolve to spend your precious energy on, and free time with, only those you care most deeply about—and those who reciprocate. True friendships are about quality, not quantity.
Give Love to Your Significant Other
It’s a worthwhile New Year’s resolution that keeps on giving all year long. Don’t lose the spark with the one you love the most. Reserve time on your calendar for several date nights per month—and don’t be too attached to what you wind up doing. Remember that staying home can be just as good (if not better) than going out.
Give to Your Community
Whether you give back once or repeatedly, taking time to volunteer, practicing random acts of kindness, and donating to charity organizations empowers us and opens us up to new experiences and opportunities. Research viable non-profits that align with skills and/or your spirit of giving, and plan to pay it forward this year and the next.
Satisfy Your Wanderlust
Get out there are see the world! Take the trip you’ve always dreamed of, as there’s no better time than the beginning of a new year. You can also consider road tripping, renting an RV, or hosting a staycation for you and a select few.
Appreciate the Finer Things
Troll museum and gallery websites to learn about upcoming art exhibitions, view online plays or ballets, take in an orchestral performance, and over the course of next year, teach yourself to appreciate the finer things in life. Cultural activities inspire creativity and teach you open-mindedness and tolerance—something we all can get behind.
Monitor Social Media Use
Too much social media can be a bad thing—especially when you start comparing your real life to someone’s seemingly picture-perfect online life. Plan to take a step back this upcoming year, whether spending a day (or more) social media-free or simply reducing the number of times you check your apps in any one day.
Practice Gratitude
All successful people practice gratitude to feel healthier, happier, and more at peace with themselves—and they do so daily.
Fostering gratitude means writing down a few things you’re thankful for and why. You could also begin your days by vocalizing what you’re grateful for or meditate on your gratitude in silence. Cultivating this habit in the New Year can even help you sleep better and be kinder to others, according to New York Times writer John Tierney, who researched the “attitude of gratitude,” back in 2011.
Keep in Touch
During the next year, especially if you’re due for a catch-up, make better efforts to stay in touch. Plan out Zoom happy hours or Face Times to keep in touch with those you love the most, and set aside time to get together with loved ones you haven’t seen in some time.
Channel Your Inner Child
Playfulness is grossly underrated. Especially if you have a particularly draining day job, resolve to make time for play. Adults who play games better maintain their social wellbeing, hone their cognitive functions, and even keep platonic and romantic partnerships healthier than those that don’t regularly engage in fun activities.
Conquer a Fear
What things do you typically avoid like the plague? Whether you loathe speaking in public, detest snakes and spiders, or you’re scared of some imaginary tragedy that has yet to happen, fear isn’t something to hold onto—especially since it will always return and prevent you from living your best life. This year, resolve to face fear head-on and release yourself from its choking grasp.
Cultivate Compassion
We never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. Before you get mad at a friend for canceling plans or mutter under your breath when a stranger does something to annoy you, teach yourself to pause and summon some compassion before huffing and puffing—and remember that it’s probably not about you.
Practice Patience
Yes, patience is a virtue, and it’s one that can be notoriously difficult to foster and maintain. But science says that waiting for things only makes us happier.
Take the next year to learn how to be patient with yourself and others. For starters, work to identify your triggers, know why they make you impatient, and practice some deep breathing.
Quit Apologizing
Many of us have the habit of apologizing for passively uttering “I’m sorry,” even when we haven’t made an error and/or when things aren’t our fault. This year, learn to save your sorry’s for when they’re absolutely necessary—and for whenever you really mean it.
Let Others In
The existential concept of “being seen” basically enables one to harness the vulnerability in exposing our true selves to others in order to foster greater self-confidence. Shed that hard outer shell and instead, try letting friends and loved ones “in” by sharing intimate (not necessarily painful, although that’s allowed) details of your life. You’ll be surprised to find that many others have had the same experiences, and in turn, they’ll feel comfortable sharing more of themselves with you, too.
Love Yourself Unconditionally
Loving yourself just as you are, without restrictions (and not for who you will become one day) is challenging for most people. Resolve to love yourself this year and beyond by practicing self-care, healing old wounds, exiting toxic relationships, forgiving yourself for mistakes and indiscretions (perceived or otherwise), and accepting yourself in the here and now.
Get in Shape
Losing weight is the top resolution for Americans, and combined with “exercise more” and “stay fit and healthy” it is something that over a third of the population wishes to achieve. It’s easy enough to start an exercise and diet program, but the trick is to find a decent one that will give you steady results and will be easy to stick to in the long run.
Have a look at these tricks, hacks, exercises, and mistakes to avoid to make the best our of your resolution.
Eat Healthier
This is usually an extension of the previous resolution. Switching to a healthier diet can be incredibly tricky when we are surrounded by cheap junk food. However, with a good amount of determination and some basic tips, you can slowly develop healthier eating habits. Learn to control emotional eating, be aware of reasons for diets to fail, and have a look at these awesome and healthy recipes.
Meet New People
When we get stuck in a rut, we usually end up staying at home most of the time, missing out on a lot of interesting opportunities for networking and having fun. Meeting new people can be beneficial to your mental well-being and help your career, so don’t be afraid to get out there and make some friends.
This is a good New Year’s resolution, but it can be difficult for shy people. Start by just saying yes when a friend asks you to go out one evening. This is a great first step toward meeting new people.
Be More Active
Some people don’t really have a big weight problem, and they even get some exercise a few times a week, but they just sit around the most of the time at home and at work, which can have a negative effect on their posture and health.
In that case, all you need is to find ways of moving around more throughout the day instead of staying hunched over the computer. It’s even more fun if you share your activity with friends and family.
Be More Polite
Good manners have always been an important part of a civilized society. They make it easier to connect with others, avoid offending people, and will ensure that others perceive you as a good and trustworthy person. So know the etiquette, deal with rude people in the right way, and learn how to say no in a way that won’t offend the other person.
Reduce Stress
They say that stress is one of the biggest killers out there, and it can have a very destructive effect on your relationships, as well as your health, making this one of many good New Year’s resolutions. It may be an unavoidable side effect of our hectic modern lifestyles, but it can be effectively managed with the help of useful and easy-to-practice tricks for stress management.
Learn to Be Happier
Even those that are in decent shape, make a good living, and have stress under control can still be unhappy. It takes time and patience to learn how to find joy in the little things and not to let problems bring you down. Showing gratitude can be a great way to build happiness. Try starting a gratitude journal to help you focus on the good things in life.
Get More Quality Sleep
With big TV’s, computers, smartphones, tablets and all sorts of gadgets with glowing lights and beeping alerts, it can be hard to get enough sleep at night. You should be shooting for at least 8 hours of sleep a night, and there are fairly simple ways to achieve this number if you make use of science and everyday hacks. The first thing to do is set those gadgets aside for at least an hour before bed. This will let your mind slip into bedtime mode and make it much easier to fall asleep.
Give up Cigarettes
A bit of bad habit that a lot of people don’t know how to kick, smoking will not only endanger your health, but can burn a hole in your wallet as well. Just be prepared to dedicate a lot of will power to giving up cigarettes once and for all.
Find a Significant Other
We all need someone to hold at night, talk to, and share our deepest secrets with, but finding the right person is a matter of trial and error. We need to go out and get to know a bunch of potential partners before we can find the one that we can get along with really well.
Get inspired on your way towards love by these tips on asking someone out and having an amazing and original first date.
Have Better Sex
Any healthy relationship requires a good deal of intimacy, and sex can actually help keep us mentally and physically healthy. The idea is to make it a fun and rewarding experience, and this is something that comes with practice and exercise.
Drink Less Alcohol
While it is completely safe and healthy to drink one or two servings of an alcoholic beverage of your choice per day, not a lot of people can say that they can follow this rule effectively. Getting your drinking under control has plenty of benefits, but it can be a difficult process.
Start slow. If you’re used to having two glasses of wine after work, cut it down to one for a month, and then try only drinking one glass once or twice a week.
Get out of Debt
You can’t really move forward in life if you are weighed down by debt. The road to financial freedom is a rocky one, but it is definitely manageable with a bit of planning and self-restraint. Take a look at these strategies and methods to pay off your debt. You won’t believe how good it will feel.
Learn a New Language
Not only will learning a new language help improve your communication skills, but it will also look great on your resume and possibly open up some doors for you. These days there are plenty of resources that allow you to learn a language for free.
Volunteer and Give More to Charity
To devote your time and energy to helping those in need is a noble gesture and one of the genuinely good New Year’s resolutions in itself, but it is also an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and boost your resume. Here’s how you can find time to volunteer in your busy life.
Pick up Useful Skills or Fun Hobbies
Just sitting around all day won’t get you anywhere. It is much better to use your free time in a constructive manner and pick up new skills while having fun at the same time. The future you will be glad that you did. No matter if you’re interested in communication skills or sports, find out how to learn new skills and hobbies in a short time.
Let Go of Grudges
Times can be hard, and it may take a lot to overcome adversity, but sitting around and moping about it is just counterproductive. If you have a big fight with someone and fall out or get hurt over a small issue, you will only lose a friend or life partner and remain sad and bitter. Forgiveness is a much healthier way to deal with issues that should be left in the past.
Adopt a Pet
There are tons of animal lovers out there that would be great at caring for a pet, but they often overthink things, while some people just rush out and get a pet without understanding the responsibility involved. Be sure you know what you are in for and find a pet that fits your living conditions and lifestyle.
Become More Organized
It doesn’t matter how much time you have on your hands; if you can’t manage it properly, you’ll just spend most of the day running around aimlessly, so make organization a priority on your list of New Year’s resolutions. When you get organized, there will suddenly be more time to spare, and things will start falling into place. Make it a habit, get help from apps and tools, and enjoy your new-found leisure-time.
Travel More
You’ll need to have your finances in order, get the right equipment, and invest some time and effort before you consider traveling across the globe, but there are ways of experiencing different cultures and visiting faraway places even on a tighter budget.
Watch some documentaries, try out a staycation, or start corresponding with a foreign pen pal to itch that travel bug.
Learn to Cook
Cooking is one of the essential skill that every man and woman should possess. It allows you to save money, eat the food you love just the way you like it, and impress dates with lovely meals shared under candlelight. If you go through useful tips, keep your kitchen clean, and avoid common mistakes, nothing stands between you an your 3-course-meal.
See Your Doctor More Often
Staying healthy should be your top priority, but many people seem frightened of doctors and don’t go nearly as often as they should, often waiting for their condition to significantly worsen. Regular checkups are a must, no matter how healthy you feel at the moment.
Remember, this includes taking care of your mental health, as well!
Reinvent Yourself
If you don’t feel quite happy no matter what you do, it is perhaps time to make some serious changes in your life as one of your good New Year’s resolutions. Reinventing yourself can give you a whole new perspective on life and take you in directions you may never have dreamed were possible.
Stop Being Late
Punctuality is a virtue that is held in high regard in our society, so this is a great New Year’s resolution to have. Being on time is a mark of a true professional, a dependable friend and caring partner, so it is a good idea to pick up a few tricks that can help you stay on time.
Be Tidier
There are a lot of slobs out there who can’t really get their stuff organized, and a cluttered desk or chaotic home will negatively affect your productivity and even your mood, so it helps to clear the clutter, clean your house, and lead a tidier and more organized life.
Learn How to Dress With Style
The way you dress can say a lot about you, and wearing the right clothes can make you seem powerful and confident, which in turn can help you land a job, get promoted, and catch the eye of a lovely guy or girl. No matter if you’re male or female, find clothes that make you feel good and stand out in a crowd.
Spend More Time With People That Matter
There is just too little time in this life for us to waste it on insincere, duplicitous, and toxic people. We should focus on the people who we care about deeply and who care about us, as this is the best way to stay happy and lead a fulfilling life.
Start Writing a Book/Journal
You’d be surprised to know just how many people out there have an interesting story to tell but lack the confidence and skill to write everything down. Even if it is just a few random thoughts scribbled daily in a journal, you shouldn’t be afraid to give writing a go with a few tips and tricks.
Try a New Workout
Getting stuck in an exercise rut can be the reason we stop making it a regular part of our lives. This upcoming year, make it a habit to try a new routine at the gym or try a virtual, at-home exercise program. Worst-case scenario? You didn’t love it—but you still got your heart rate up.
Accept Change
In life, change is one of the only constants. Learning to accept it can be difficult, especially if you’re change-averse. Remember that change is what allows us to grow and become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. Make a resolution to embrace the unknown and think more positively about any changes that occur.
Remember Important Dates
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m awful at remembering birthdays?” If so, make a conscious effort to acknowledge other peoples’ milestones as you would your own. Anniversaries, promotions, births—anything you yourself would celebrate—are all fair game.
Record special dates inside the free Google Calendar and Countdown+ Event Reminders Lite apps. Once you’re reminded, call, send a sweet text or mail a card. (And yes, there are apps that even do that for you, too.)
Treat Yourself Kindly
Mistakes and bad days are both inevitable. If you find you’re apt to browbeat rather than show yourself kindness spend the next year working to reverse this negative habit—it only breeds anxiety and depression. Practicing mindfulness, regular exercise, healthy eating, and ample sleep all help to foster self-compassion.
Start Meditating
Meditating has nothing to do with religion or philosophy and everything to do with cultivating a healthy mindset and reducing stress. And experts say meditation is a lifesaver, especially when you’re undergoing trying times. Start the New Year off right by setting time aside to meditate each day. Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Buddhify can help.
Learn to Cook Something New
While takeout is super-convenient, it’s not that affordable—or healthy. Cooking meals yourself means you’ll know exactly what’s in them and whether ingredients are fresh (and healthful). Make a New Year’s resolution to cook more, learn how, and save some major cash in the process.
Commit to a Skincare Routine
Glowy skin doesn’t just appear overnight—it’s the result of years of proper care. This year, work with a dermatologist or skin expert to create a custom skincare routine—or identify your skin type and find the products that work best.
Be More Self-Reliant
Technology, a relatively decent government, and corporations offering cheap, ready-to-eat food and all manner of useful tools have made us somewhat spoiled, and we often get well into adulthood without having what it takes to be independent and self-reliant. Next time you face a problem, try solving it on your own instead of running to the nearest family member or friend.
Learn How to Defend Yourself
Being able to ensure your own safety and the safety of those you love is a very important skillset to have. It’s not all about groin kicks and palm strikes, however. You need to learn how to conduct yourself and what kind of behavior to look out for in others.
Become More Romantic
Romance is often the first casualty in longer, more serious relationships, but it doesn’t have to wither away. A few romantic gestures here and there can keep the passion going for decades. It will be fun, even if you’re not the romantic type.
Remember Important Dates
Speaking about romance and keeping a serious relationship fun, you don’t want to keep forgetting birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates. There are plenty of memory tricks that take very little time to master, so you’ll never forget another date again.
Be More Social
Getting out and socializing has its perks. You get to have fun, meet new people, and find out interesting things, but you can also develop leadership skills and learn to work in a team, so this is a very good New Year’s resolution to add to your list. Even if you are an introvert or very shy and feel uncomfortable talking to others, there are ways to become a fairly active member of a community.
Face Your Fears and Insecurities
You will find this particular point masked beneath other good New Year’s resolutions, but fear and insecurity are often the cause of several problems that we want to address. You need to think of it as surviving and controlling your fear rather than overcoming it, and it will enable you to shed off a lot of the insecurities that you have.