10 Resolutions for the New Year

Making resolutions for the New Year is a tradition most of us observe. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little self-improvement now and then! Unfortunately, sometimes we bite off a little more than we can chew, and our resolutions end up overwhelming instead of improving.  So, let’s start off the ideas for smart resolutions with the go-to Resolutions Rule:

Resolutions Idea #1: Make reasonable resolutions! Don’t vow to give up everything bad for the year; instead, resolve to cut down. Remember, resolutions are only useful if you can actually stick to them!

Photo by: andyarthur
Photo by: andyarthur

Resolutions Idea #2: Spend more time outdoors! It’s easy to forget when we’re glued to screens 24/7, but it’s pretty neat outside. Make resolutions to spend an hour in the park or start a small garden out back.

Resolutions Idea #3: Explore somewhere new. You don’t have to move to a new area to discover new things about where you live. Check out some local websites and search for a fun adventure right in your own backyard!

Resolutions Idea #4: Do something nice. Resolutions don’t just have to be about improving yourself; resolutions can also improve the world! Donate time or money to your favorite charity. Organizations like Karma Rescue or the Make-A-Wish Foundation will love having one of your resolutions dedicated to them.

Resolutions Idea #5: Complain less. Lots of annoying things happen every day, but we don’t have to let them get us down. Turning that frown upside down may not seem momentous, but you’d be surprised how much resolutions to be less negative can improve quality of life.

Photo by: craftist collection
Photo by: craftist collection

Resolutions Idea #6: Live life to the fullest. This is one of those resolutions that can be summed up in four letters: YOLO. Resolutions like this remind us that life can be fleeting and it’s our responsibility to get the most out of every day.

Resolutions Idea #7: Be greener. Taking care of the environment doesn’t just belong on a list of resolutions; it should be featured on a list of necessities. Resolve to do whatever you can, both big and small, to reduce your carbon footprint in the New Year. Green resolutions include giving up bottled water and always remembering your reusable bags. You can find a great list of green, easy to follow New Year resolutions here!

Resolutions Idea #8: Do something silly you’ve always wanted to do. Take fun photos in interesting locations, or break a world record!

Photo by: calvertcaters
Photo by: calvertcaters

Resolutions Idea #9: Buy local. Food, goods, services – buying local from individual farmers and small business owners keeps you healthy, gives you better quality items and improves the community. Even the smallest resolutions can make a great impact.

Resolutions Idea #10: Eat breakfast. As resolutions go, it’s doesn’t seem so earth-shattering, but what they say is true: breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Avoid foods like sugared cereal; try organic, cage free eggs or a healthy fruit and veggie smoothie to start the day off right and fuel up so you have the energy to complete all those other resolutions!

Do you believe in making resolutions? What resolutions are you making this New Year? Tell me in the Comments section!