Lose weight. Quit social media. Cut out alcohol completely. Blah blah blah snoozefest. These are all good goals, don't get me wrong. But we set the same New Year's resolutions every single year and then... never really stick to them. So, for 2023, why not shake things up a bit and try creating resolutions of a different variety? Whether you choose one New Year's resolution or all 55, you'll be better off for it.
55 New Year's Resolutions to Try for 2023
1. Focus on a Passion, Not the Way You Look
Influencer Mik Zazon, who's on a mission to "normalize normal bodies," tells Parade, "... I want to inform readers that resolutions are in fact NOT an invitation to start a diet or a workout plan but a beautiful reminder that a new year can bring new life to our passions."
Still want to find a better you, physically, in 2023? In that case...
2. Work out to feel good, not be thinner.
Instead of obsessing over the scale, obsess over how amazing you feel since you started being more active. Numbers don't mean much.
Related: Best New Year's Quotes
3. Stop gossiping.
Don't be that person. Spread positivity.
4. Give one compliment a day.
You never know—it just might make that person feel a whole lot better.
5. Go a whole day without checking your email.
Nobody's going to die. It can wait until tomorrow.
6. Do Random Acts of Kindness
Norbert, the famous therapy dog, reminds us that anyone can be kind, and it costs you nothing.
"I may be only 3 pounds, but it’s not the size of the dog, it’s the size of the heart that counts. Through social media, I love to bring joy into people’s lives by making them smile with my photos and videos ... I think acts of kindness and generosity make the world a better place. We call my community of nearly two million followers worldwide the 'Norberthood.' We encourage caring and compassion and believe it is better to be thoughtful and kind than to bully. Let’s spread smiles together! As I say, you don’t have to be big to make a BIG difference in the world."
7. Read a book a month.
Haven't you heard? Reading is good for your brain, it can reduce stress, and it can improve your memory and concentration.
8. Go someplace you've never been.
Step outside of your comfort zone and do something daring. It's good for the soul and forces you to learn new things.
Related: 100 NYE Instagram Captions That Will Have Your Feed Poppin’ Well Before Midnight
9. Clear out the clutter.
Clutter is literally bad for your health. Research says it stresses you out. Make 2023 the year of organization and cleanliness.
10. Turn off your phone one night a week.
You're sleeping anyway. You don't need it!
11. Reduce your waste.
Some research says that the average American produces over 2,000 pounds of trash every year. Gross. Reduce your waste by ditching paper towels in favor of rags you cut up from old towels and clothes. Another easy switch is reusable grocery bags. It makes a difference!
12. Volunteer.
Not only is volunteering good for your own mental and physical health, but you're doing something kind and selfless for others.
Related: New Year's Jokes
13. Travel on a small budget.
"Traveling on a budget is all about flexibility and being willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and luxury in favor of seeing the world and the life-changing experiences that travel comes with," says Eli Solidum, The Partying Traveler. "A lot of people have the idea that travel needs to be luxurious and holidays need to be expensive for them to be fun. My experience over the last three years of budget backpacking says otherwise."
14. Write down one thing you're grateful for every night.
End the night with gratitude and you'll feel better when you lay your head down on your pillow.
15. Drink more water.
You've probably heard that your body needs it. 75 percent of us are chronically dehydrated. Drink up!
16. Take a part of your paychecks and put it in savings or investments.
Even just a small percentage can really add up down the line. Plan for the future and don't be silly with your money.
17. Stop multitasking.
Multitasking can lead to memory problems, it reduces our brains' grey matter, it hurts productivity and efficiency, and it can even increase stress, anxiety and depression. Focus on one thing at a time.
Related: New Year's Movies
18. Talk to yourself with kindness.
We aim to be nice to others but then criticize ourselves relentlessly. Stop! Think nicer things about yourself.
19. Call a friend instead of texting them.
You can Facetime them for extra measure!
20. Don't buy things you don't need.
Bad habit. We love to spend money even if it's for no good reason. Don't need it? Don't buy it.
