The 50 Best New Year's Resolution Ideas

People celebrating the New Year with sparklers and Champagne.

franckreporter / Getty Images

New Year’s resolution ideas can be simple and positive, such as paying it forward, engaging in self-care, practicing daily gratitude, and decluttering. And they needn't necessarily be activity-based; goals can range from those that inspire happiness to the professional, highly personal, and everything in between.

We’ve put together a list of 50 New Year’s resolutions that you can engage in this upcoming year to promote your healthiest self. Plus, they'll inspire you to live your best life while looking forward to the year ahead. By choosing to complete one (or more) of these intentions, you're officially well on your way to furthering your own happiness and fulfillment.

01 of 50

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.

02 of 50

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.

03 of 50

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.

04 of 50

Create Your Dream Career

Women on laptop and phone eating breakfast.

Stocksy/Carina Konig

Even if you’re not looking for a new job right now, it’s still wise to keep sharp in case you see a posting that interests you. Revisit your LinkedIn profile and give it a fresh update, edit and add skills to your résumé, network, subscribe to job alerts, and create an online folder where everything job-related is kept in one place. This will keep your professional standing in good health now, and be well prepared to nail any job application and interview.

05 of 50

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.

06 of 50

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.

07 of 50

Live Happily

Woman hiking in flannel shirt.

We The People

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.

08 of 50

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.

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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.

10 of 50

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.

11 of 50

Nurture True Friendships

Women out to brunch.

Stocksy/Bonnin Studio

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.

12 of 50

Give Love to Your S.O.

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.

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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.

14 of 50

Satisfy Your Wanderlust

woman hiking

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 roadtripping, renting an RV, or hosting a staycation for you and a select few.

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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.

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Find a Side Hustle

Whether it’s to earn extra cash or to follow a passion that your day job doesn't satisfy, taking a second job, or side hustle, could be a great way to indulge your deeper, more fulfilling interests. At the very least, you’ll learn more about work/life balance and develop some pretty major time management skills.

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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.

18 of 50

Monitor Social Media Use

woman sitting on bridge scrolling on phone.

Stocksy/Sergey Filimonov

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.

19 of 50

Stop Procrastiating

Mark Twain had it right when he opined, "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today." Begin by taking a few minutes to make a list of the things you were going to do tomorrow—and yes, do at least one of those things today. Start imagining how you'll feel if you actually tackled all the stuff you've been putting off.

Make a New Year's resolution to stop procrastinating, whether it's vowing to have those conversations you've been avoiding, doing laundry on a more regular basis, or clearing your email inbox.

20 of 50

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 gratitudes 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.

21 of 50

Spread Kindness

There's actually scientific evidence that being kind makes you feel calmer, healthier, and happier—and it's also contagious. Make the world a better place by resolving to do one kind thing or more for a stranger every day or month.

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.

22 of 50

Try a New Workout

Woman in yoga pose.

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.

23 of 50

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.

24 of 50

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.)

25 of 50

Drink More Water

glass bottle of water next to drinking glass

GLOBENCER/Unsplash

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.

26 of 50

Live Productively

There are only 24 hours in a day, so spend the new year maximizing the number of things you're able to get done: Work on developing your time management skills, research productivity hacks and apps, and turn off that phone.

27 of 50

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.

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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.

29 of 50

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.

30 of 50

Learn to Cook Something New

Three chicken breasts that have been prepared in the air fryer

I Am a Food Blog

 

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.

31 of 50

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.

32 of 50

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.

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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.

34 of 50

Set a Reading Goal

Woman reading book in bed.

Stocksy/Addictive Creatives

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.

35 of 50

Commute Productively

The U.S. workforce typically spent an average of 4.35 hours a week and over 200 hours (that's nearly nine whole days) a year commuting to and from work. Though many of us are embracing that WFH life, it is great to consider ways to optimize your commute for the future.

Instead of letting precious time go to waste, listen to audiobooks and podcasts to boost your productivity while improving your overall experience.

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Be Decisive

Nobody's perfect, and not every decision can be, either. This year, stop over-analyzing everything. Instead, commit to end the habit of indecision and spend less time second-guessing yourself.

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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 FaceTimes 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.

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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 well being, hone their cognitive functions, and even keep platonic and romantic partnerships healthier than those that don't regularly engage in fun activities.

39 of 50

Move Your Body

Woman on tennis court.

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.

40 of 50

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.

41 of 50

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.

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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.

43 of 50

Get Better Sleep

Woman Sleeping in Bed

@shionat​

 

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.

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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.

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Develop an Abundance Mindset

Too often, life becomes a race to the finish. But why put yourself under so much pressure? Vow to switch your current state of scarcity to one of abundance.

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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.

47 of 50

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.

48 of 50

Stay Optimistic

how to be happy with yourself
@claire_most

Pessimism is so over. Make a New Year's resolution to always see the light at the end of the tunnel.

If you're not particularly good at being optimistic, whether due to inherited pessimism (yes, it's a thing), past hurts, or just a general malaise regarding the future, then good news: you can train your brain to adopt a "glass-half-full" outlook to better cope during, and after, times of hardship.

49 of 50

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.

50 of 50

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.

Article Sources
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