Eating less and exercising more are two of the most common New Year’s resolutions. And, it’s probably safe to say they are also some of the most commonly broken. Why not find a new goal for next year – and make it one you’ll actually reach?
Here are six New Year’s resolution ideas, both big and small:
- Technology time out: How many hours a day do you spend on your cell phone, checking Facebook and Twitter, and reading personal email? Tally up the time you spend on your phone in one day. Now, try dividing that number in half. What you’ll have left over is more time to spend with loved ones and doing things that don’t involve a screen.
- Save for something big: If you are itching for a tropical vacation, a fancy new camera or saving up for something more long-term, open a savings account dedicated solely to that. If it’s for something within the next year, a regular savings account will do. But if you are trying to go back to school or save up for a down payment five or more years down the road, look into accounts like Roth IRAs and watch your money grow.
- Learn something new: Have you been meaning to learn Spanish, how to knit or play the guitar? Make 2013 your year and set aside an hour or two a week to work on your new hobby. Sign up for in-person lessons or buy books or CDs on the topic of your choice – just don’t let them collect dust as soon as the snow melts.
- Stay in touch: Writing Happy Birthday on your friend’s Facebook wall doesn’t count as catching up. Pick one friend or family member a month and make it a point to grab coffee or dinner, or schedule a phone date if you’re in different cities. They will appreciate the effort, and you’ll feel good knowing what’s going on in their life.
- Give back: Volunteering and giving back to causes you believe in is a win-win – the dogs you walk or kids you teach get the help and attention they need, and you feel good for doing something for others. Seek out an organization in your town that needs volunteers, and commit to attending at least one event every month.
- Cross one off the bucket list: This is a resolution you can work on for years to come. Create or revisit your bucket list and vow to cross one thing off every year. This year, it could be sky diving or swimming with sharks. Next year, take that trip to the Great Wall of China or Machu Picchu. You only live once – make the most of it!
What are your 2013 New Year’s resolutions?
