It makes no sense: New Year, old resolutions. So much for a fresh start.
Old resolutions are not only boring but also serve as a reminder that we failed to keep them in previous years. It’s time to make some new resolutions, for a real change.
First, let’s look into the most popular New Year’s resolutions we make—and break.
Top New Year’s Resolutions
Each year, about a third of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. The fact that many, if not most, of them make the same resolutions every year shows that people have a tough time keeping promises to themselves.
The top five most popular New Year’s resolutions focus mostly on appearance and money:
- Lose weight
- Exercise more
- Eat healthy
- Spende less money
- Save more money
Other common resolutions deal with improving one’s state of mind, nurturing relationships and doing new things:
- Reduce stress
- Get more sleep
- Quit smoking
- Drink less
- Get organized
- Stop procrastinating
- Try something new
- Learn a new skill
- Travel more
- Volunteer
- Change jobs
- Make more friends
- Read more
- Spend more time with family and friends
Most Americans are optimistic about their ability to stick to their resolutions — at the start of the year, that is. As the year progresses, they’re less confident. Many give up by the fall in anticipation of the holiday season and its many temptations. They figure it’s impossible or too late to keep their resolutions by then, so they postpone them until next year. Rinse and repeat.
Try these fun resolutions instead
If thinking outside the box has been one of your resolutions, then here we have the very first step in that journey.
1. Drive without GPS
If you’re a young millennial, chances are you’ve never used a map. If you’re a Gen Xer, you remember maps, but you’re losing your sight. If you’re a baby boomer, chances are you’re avoiding driving to new places like the plague. Who needs an adventure in a foreign land of mystical legends when you can just turn off the GPS?
2. Think before you share
Resolve to stop yourself before sharing some newsy, scandalous story on Facebook or Twitter while you research the matter to avoid sharing fake news or propaganda.
3. Say “No” to your kids and mean it
If you have been anywhere in public with your kids or around other people’s kids, you know many will fail to keep this resolution.
4. Stop binge-watching shows
You find a show you like on cable, Netflix or any other streaming service. Next thing you know, you’ve been at it for days, binge-watching episode after episode, season after season. Resolve to limit each show to one episode per week. Good luck with that.
5. Go screenless for 24 hours
This one takes self-control to another level. Go 24 hours without using anything with a screen. That means no smartphone, no laptop, no TV, MP3 player, Kindle, Fitbit… get the picture?
6. Stop procrastinating, tomorrow
This one is self-explanatory.
7. Keep your stuff in check
If you buy four tops, two bottoms and one pair of shoes, then, when you get home, get rid of four tops, two bottoms and one pair of shoes. Throw them away or donate them (depending on their condition).
8. Give up selfies for a year
Yes, a year. Have someone else take your picture, but only in interesting places.
9. Eat more meat, dairy, fat and gluten
Set your own trend. Take it online, and be an influencer. That may be the new job you were hoping for last year.
Change of plans: Don’t make new year’s resolutions
Live your life the best way you can. You have enough to worry about—your health, kids, money, broken water heaters, car troubles, neighbor troubles, politics, climate change, and the list goes on. Who needs something else to stress about? This New Year just remember to have fun. That’s all you need.