If you’re like most people, then you have a recurring pattern of creating a resolution, and forgetting about it in less than a month. Studies show that the reason why 92% of people[1] don’t follow through with their resolution is simple — the resolution isn’t exciting enough to get them to take the actions required. We’re going to help you break this pattern today, because we’ve curated the top 15 new year’s resolution ideas that will put some fire into your belly. We recommend that you choose a few of these, and test them out in the next few days. The biggest mistake people often make is when they try to take on too many goals without having a specific direction to guide them. Without further ado, here are 15 new year’s resolution ideas.
1. Travel to a country you’ve never been to
One of the biggest personal growth opportunities comes from discovering new cultures and locations that you’re unfamiliar with. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world alone, and it’s one of those rare situations that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I understand that amid the pandemic it’s diffcult to travel the word, but stay hopeful, you will get to travel again when COVID is over!
2. Less tech, more nature
As we become a more connected world through technology, it can feel impossible to disconnect. This brings with it more stress, baggy eyes, and lack of connection (no pun intended) with the people we love most. You can use free productivity apps to help you block out the distraction and unwind.
3. Learn a new language
If you’ve been putting off learning a new language, this is the year to make it happen. As the world is becoming a more globalized place by the minute, having a foreign language under your belt is transitioning from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a ‘must-have’ skill in life, and in the workplace.
4. Invest 10% of your salary/income on yourself
Warren Buffett is famous for sharing that the best investment you can make is in yourself. Whether it’s $100 or a $1,000, allocate a portion of your salary to invest in yourself. This could be your education, your health, your love life, whatever you want to improve in your life.
5. Explore a new career opportunity
If you’ve been in a career that is not maximizing your full potential, it might be time for you to take that leap and explore new options. There are limitless options out there, and you can start looking at popular job boards like Indeed, Monster, or even Craigslist.
6. Rekindle an old friendship you lost
Is there someone in your life who you haven’t been able to keep in touch with? Perhaps it’s a friend from high school, or it may even be a family member. One of the biggest regrets people have at the end of their lives is leaving incomplete relationships that should have been fostered. Take that step today and rekindle an old friendship before it’s too late.
7. Commit to getting in shape
No amount of money or success is going to matter if your health isn’t optimal. Getting in shape should be your number one priority, because it’s the foundation that will not only help you become more successful, but enjoy your success once you get it.
8. Develop that skill you’ve been putting off
Do you have a skill that you’ve been wanting to learn, but have been putting off? You may have been discouraged in the past because you weren’t picking it up fast enough. Try following some of these strategies to master a new skill faster.
9. Read one book every week/month
The more you learn, the more you earn. Kick-off the new year by committing to read one book per week (or per month if you know you can’t commit to one week).
10. Quit smoking
I recommend you read Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking. Published in 1985, this book has helped millions of people, including celebrities such as Ellen Degeneres, quit smoking after implementing the strategies outlined in the book.
11. Go 80%
Everyday we huff and puff, trying to squeeze in that extra minute, paragraph, or meeting. But if we can work smart, it’s completely possible to get 95% done by putting in 80% of the effort in, and avoiding the unnecessary stress. The key is to choose strategically what you want to be working on.
12. Say ‘Hell Yeah’ or ‘No’
Derek Sivers has a famous saying of either saying ‘Hell Yeah’ or ‘No’. This means that unless you’re incredibly excited about a new opportunity and willing to give 100% of your effort, you should practice saying no. It will allow you to focus more of your time on what truly matters.
13. Give back through volunteering
We’re incredibly fortunate to have the lives we lead, no matter where you are right now. If you’re able to read this using a smartphone or a laptop, you’re more fortunate than the majority of the people around the world. Giving back through volunteering will not only give you perspective on how grateful we should be, but it will help you contribute to the community.
14. Become a digital nomad
The rise of digital nomads has arrived, and it’s here to stay. Check out The Top 20 Tools For Digital Nomads.
15. Review your goals every month (not every year!)
The most impactful New Year’s Resolution may be to actually review your resolutions more than once a year. You can make adjustments based on how far you’ve actually come, and you’ll feel more motivated by reviewing it every month (or even every week). Featured photo credit: Ava Sol via unsplash.com
