The final countdown is on, and it’s nearly time to put your New Year’s resolution ideas to the ultimate test: Will you keep your goals for 2024?
This question probably brings up a hefty swirl of mixed emotions.
Some folks are just entirely “over it” when they look back on this year; they’re ready for the fresh start that’s implied with the flip of the calendar. Others are ready to “keep on keepin’ on.” The last 12 months haven’t been too shabby, so they’re poised and prepped to ride this happenin’ wave out and catch the next one.
No matter what your motivation for tackling the year ahead, creating a New Year’s resolution list is a great opportunity to enlist some healthy reflection on what has been, as well as envision the amazing potential of what can be.
That said, it’s important to set goals for the new year that are attainable. So as you smooch a lucky lady or gent at the stroke of midnight, also K.I.S.S. your NYE resolutions list: keep it simple, self!
Here are 10 simple New Year’s resolution ideas worth keeping in 2024…
10. Say “yes.”
For anyone who has ever seen the Jim Carrey film, Yes Man, this New Year’s goal needs no further explanation. For those who haven’t, it’s a great reminder that there’s no time like the present to get out of your bubble. Literally, say “yes” to more invitations life extends your way. You’ll be amazed at the many new ways it transforms your connection with yourself, family and friends, your community, and your world. So starting now, say “yes” to new hobbies, quirky plays, blind dates, sunrise hikes, adopting highways, volunteering… basically anything you may normally dismiss for no genuinely good reason.
9. Say “no.”
Piggy-backing off of the above encouragement to say “yes,” is a healthy reminder to politely say “no.” Balance is imperative when it comes to your work, social and ‘you' times. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to declining something in order to take care of your own well-being. Embrace an awareness of when you feel stretched a bit thin. On every list of New Year’s resolution ideas, there should be the commitment to some personal R ‘n’ R—instead of another obligation. Plus, making sure you’re refreshed and well-rested thanks to taking these breathers will make your “yes” times all the more vibrant.
8. Eat right. And wrong.
All hail, the baby steps! Forget fads. Instead of going a yo-yo, cold turkey or deprivation route, how about trying gradual menu modifications? Whether it’s changing your portion sizes or plate contents—initiate small, healthy additions and subtractions to your intake. This approach has a success rate that typically leads to long-lasting results. Create a colorful plate, adding a variety of fruits and veggies to the spread. And keep that dessert on it, dang it—but maybe slim down the size of the slice.
7. Exercise.
Find your sweet spot with this New Year’s resolution idea. Maybe you’re the type to “sparkle and glow” at the gym, or maybe you really sweat it out hard… However you perspire, just be sure you’re doing it solely for you. Any sort of movin' and groovin' sesh is a step up from parking your behind on the couch for endless hours. And you are guaranteed to feel uplifted, happy, healthy, and just all-around good… because endorphins are awesome!
6. Visit your doctor.
As much as we may all hate to admit it, a New Year’s resolution list just wouldn’t be complete without this gem. Even if you are feeling fit as a fiddle and eat an apple a day, an annual date with your doc is a great habit to adapt, if you haven’t already. Take advantage of low- or no-cost screenings that your insurance may cover during the calendar year. If something pops up on your results, you can address it. If nothing does, you can rest easy for the next 12 months knowing you’re in tip-top shape.
5. Learn something new.
Stretch that brain power, lads and lasses! In this day and age, it’s so very easy to “turn our minds off,” since technology does so much for us. If we aren’t mentally stimulating ourselves, we basically become complacent zombies. We forget that our noggins our incredible sponges at every age, ready and willing to absorb new information! This year, challenge yourself with a New Year’s resolution idea that gives your ‘mental muscle’ a workout… Take a class. Refresh your math skills. Learn a new language. Figure out how to play chess. Try reading a book on quantum physics, just for kicks. Get trained in a trade. Your brain will certainly thank you for the grand adventure!
4. Do something new.
This time of year is the perfect opportunity to add a new bucket list wish to your New Year’s resolution ideas. (Especially if you’ve been stuck in the ol’ “routine” rut.) What’s extra-nice about this type of goal is that it doesn’t need to be entirely outrageous. Unless you'd like it to, of course. It can be as simple as reading a brand new book or braving a food you’ve always avoided. But if it is wild ‘n’ crazy—heck, go for it. Take a chance or two or more on new hobbies and activities. Break free of your norm. You’ll soon realize how refreshing it is to shake things up.
3. Travel somewhere new.
This is one of the best New Year’s resolutions someone can undertake. Go anywhere! Whether it’s by plane, train, car, boat or foot…. Just do it. Discover communities, cities and entire countries that are so much bigger than the self-bubble many of us subscribe to. Be a tourist in your own city and visit a new venue. Or pack your passport and explore an entirely new culture. Take a roadtrip to a goofy-named town you’ve always been curious about. Branch out a bit, then a bit more. Venture out of your comfort zone, and marvel at the perceptions you discover about yourself, your community and the beautiful, big world you are part of.
2. Compliment often.
A kind word does wonders. Imagine the positive impact this simple gesture will have on someone’s day. Folks are often so uplifted by a compliment, their pay-it-forward instinct kicks in automatically. And woosshhh—suddenly the world has been hit by a ripple-effect of love. What’s wonderful about this New Year’s resolution idea is that it’s ongoing. With a little effort, it’s likely it will become second nature in no time. And as a bonus, with each inspiring remark you give someone else, your own mood and attitude will likely become more and more optimistic as well.
1. Genuinely tell someone you love them.
It’s funny how saying “I love you” can get tossed around so casually. Sometimes, it’s rare to really, truly hear it from someone who sincerely means it, from the very depths of their heart and soul. And yet, something magical and inexplicable happens when a person is on the receiving end of the intentional delivery of these words. Of all the New Year’s resolution ideas offered here, this one may be the most meaningful. Because love always wins. And that’s a pretty swell way to start, continue and finish off the year ahead.
….And with that….
