Like most people, I’ve found that it’s depressing to set New Year’s Resolutions. We tend to set our goals too high and end up feeling like LOSERS. What I’ve found, however, is that by setting a few tiny resolutions, I can have some little successes — and they add up! So that I don’t feel like such a loser.
If we do one or more of these, then we’re doing great. Progress is progress.
1. Unplug completely for 30?minutes, once a day.
For only 30?minutes a day, unplug from electronics. Your phone, computer, TV, etc….just turn them OFF. Not vibrate….OFF. It’s easier than you think. Use the time to….do whatever you want! This is easier if you do it?at the same time every day. It becomes a part of your routine. I’m going to do this?before bed, in my office recliner with a book. I think this will help me get into relaxation mode.
2. Commit to putting your phone away for?work meetings, social events, or meals (with family or with others).
The quality of your life will improve exponentially by doing this one little thing. So will the quality of your relationships.
3. Stop texting and driving.
You can do this. If you have people who need to have immediate access to you, let them know that they need to call in an emergency. Otherwise, make it common knowledge that you do NOT pick up the phone while driving and that you assume if someone calls it’s an emergency.
4.?If it’s feasible, walk.
At one of my “real jobs,” I worked across the street from a busy shopping complex that included restaurants and a grocery store. It would have been so easy to just walk over but noooooo, I always drove. If you can walk in the same amount of time that it would take you to get to your parking garage, wait at red lights, and find a parking place, then walk!
5. Try to take the stairs sometimes.
I’m not even saying ALL the time. But if you have the time to do so and you’re not wearing four-inch heels, take the stairs.
6.?Cook something totally new once a week.
This is fun and rewarding (and likely healthier than eating out). Pick easy stuff if you want, or go really crazy and do a Julia Child recipe. Crock pots are GREAT for this.
7. Try not to be late.
Leave 10?minutes earlier than you normally would.
8. Once a week, pick up the phone and make a call instead of texting.
Put it on your to-do list to call one person at least once per week.
9.?Write a letter or send a card once per month.
On the first (or last) day of every month, write a one-page note to someone who would enjoy it. Buy 12 stamps now! Today! Put them on envelopes. Then you’re ready.
10. Do?something out of your comfort zone.
The Eleanor Roosevelt quote comes to mind: “do one thing every day that scares you.” Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
11.?Smile and say hello to someone at the grocery store, bookstore, or wherever.
My?modus operandi is to look DOWN. Avoid eye contact. If I make eye contact with someone, they may try to (gasp) have a conversation with me. Let’s at least try to smile and say hello sometimes if not all the time. Don’t be creepy, though!
12. Sign up for a?one-time arts class.
Be it dancing or painting, give yourself an art experience. There’s a lady in my area who does painting classes. Every single class is stand-alone, not progressive. People go once a month and leave with a gorgeous painting two hours later. This is a zero commitment way to get some art into your life, and who knows? It may become a fabulous new hobby. Added bonus: supporting a local artist.
13. Learn to enjoy eating alone.
This is the norm for me. I love eating alone. I read while I eat. Give it a try, and I don’t mean just at home. Go to a restaurant and eat alone. Take your Kindle, a book, or a magazine.
14. Read?fiction.
We read a LOT. All day, every day, but it’s mostly non-fiction. We need some escapism. We need some strong plots that make our brains work creatively. Always have one work of fiction on your bedside table, purse, or in your laptop bag. Keep it with you at all times. When you can steal a few minutes of time, read a few pages.
15. Read in bed.
When you crawl into bed at night, make sure the TV’s turned off and your phone is wherever it needs to be (I use mine as my alarm clock so it has to be nearby). Have that awesome fiction book at your bedside so that you can read a few pages before dropping off to sleep.
16. Become an active listener.
Active listening is a skill that?requires developing. It doesn’t come naturally to most of us. We tend to “wait for our turn to talk” rather than listen to whoever we’re talking to. You can learn?to be an active listener here.
17. Make the decision to put gossip out of your life.
You’ll find people trusting you more and you’ll find that you’re engaging in more productive conversations.
18. Make time for breakfast most days.
You really only have to get up 15 minutes earlier to prepare a simple breakfast for yourself.
19. Eat breakfast at home, not in the car.
You can easily eat in 5-10 minutes and then be on your way.
20. Do??Meatless Monday? once a week.
It’s nice for your budget usually, and gives you a health boost.
21. Buy butter, not margarine.
It’s only marginally more expensive and the health benefits have been proven.
22. Buy the good eggs.
I’m talking here about the cage-free, torture-free eggs. They’re not that much more expensive, and eggs are something that most of us only buy a couple of times a month. Besides the health benefits, it makes me feel better about what I’m eating. I can’t stop thinking about those chickens…
23. Try to spend a few minutes outdoors every day.
When you get up for a break, step outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
24. Floss.
‘Nuff said? I keep a bag of the little disposable flossy thingies in my desk.
25. Do more of what you?love doing.
Whatever that is, make time for it.
26. Consider a family game night once a month.
I grew up playing games and my ?kids love to play games. Choose something short like Yahtzee or Scrabble. Make it easy and painless so you’ll be motivated to keep it on your schedule.
27. Grow some herbs.
It’s easier than you think. If you have a couple of specific herbs you enjoy, grow them. I grow cilantro. I use it a LOT and it’s really easy to grow.
28. Don’t litter.
Just don’t.
29. De-clutter one room this year.
Choose one room in your home and commit to decluttering it THIS WEEK. Or next week. Don’t put it off too long, though. The trick here is that once one room is decluttered, you’ll love it so much you’ll probably want to do the rest of your house.
30. Learn something new every day.
Get a notebook and keep a log of what you’ve learned for the day. I write mine in my Franklin Covey planner.
31. Do the 52-week money challenge.
We wrote about this recently. Tie your savings to a specific goal, such as a vacation.
32. Invest in your retirement.
If you don’t have an IRA or other investment account, consider starting one with the minimum required deposits. As your money grows, you’ll want to add more. It’s never too late to start.
33. Start an IRA for your kid.
If you have a college-age child, help them start their own IRA with automatic contributions set up. If they start saving now, they’ll have a huge head start as they age.
34. Buy fresh vegetables instead of canned?or frozen.
Did you know that in many cases, it?actually takes about the same amount of time to cook fresh veggies as it does canned? Take green beans for example. You can buy a bag of pre-washed green beans in the produce section at your grocery store. Opening the bag and cooking them is just as quick as opening a can.
35. Walk your dog.
I live in the country and just let my dog out. It would be good for him (and me) to actually go out with him. If you live in the city, this is a win/win for you in many ways.
36. Update your address book.
With the constant connectivity of text, phone, and social media, most of us have gotten rid of (or neglected) our address books. Spend an hour or two this year getting yours up to date.
37. Find a place to do a one-time volunteer service.
It may be serving a meal or reading to elderly people at a nursing home. Sign up for a one-time experience. If you want to go back another time, that’s great, too.
38. Build a community garden.
If you live in the city, see if you can make this happen. This isn’t one of the easiest resolutions on this list, but it’s oh so rewarding.
39. Organize your food cabinet or pantry.
This one-time task is a great way to find food to throw out or donate.?to a food bank. You’ll then know what you have on hand and avoid buying things that you don’t need.
40. Throw out surplus plastic containers.
I have a cabinet that has plastic bowls and lids. There are bowls that no longer have available lids, and lids whose bowls were long-since thrown away or lost. Let’s get this stuff organized!
41. Do a safety walk of your home.
Replace the batteries in smoke alarms, make sure the locks on your windows and doors are secure, etc…
42. Invite more friends and families over for a monthly gathering.
This has the added bonus of you making sure your house is clean at least once per month.
43. Buy local.?Support local small businesses and keep your money where you live.
This is one of the simplest things you can do if you want to do your small part to make the world — and your community — a?better place.
44. Drink more water.
I made this easy for me by washing and using a beautiful Fiesta pitcher?that I’ve previously only used for decoration. I have it, why not use it? It brightens up my desk and makes me happy — AND I drink more water.
45. Shop and plan meals from the grocery sales flyers.
I like to say “I pay 1980 prices for everything.” That’s not precisely true, of course, but it’s rare for me to buy things that aren’t on sale. It becomes quite instinctual once you’ve done it for a while. You’ll save money and eat better — at home.
46. Give?compliments.
My daughter has always been really good at this. Since she was a little girl, she’s never hesitated to tell someone “I love your hair.” Or dress, or necklace, or whatever. Never miss a chance to give someone a genuine compliment.
47. Make your bed every day.
Many home improvement and organization mavens swear by this. They say that it serves a lot of purposes, motivational and practical. It’s certainly easy enough, right?
48. Commit to getting rid of one thing a day.
Find one thing in your home every day that you can throw away or give away. If you’re a tidy person, you may not need to do this, but I certainly do! One thing to add here: if you create a box of stuff to “give away,” make sure you actually do that. If a box for the local shelter sits in your home for a month, it’s still your problem.
49. Remove the word “but” from your vocabulary as much as you can.
BUT….only when you’re using it as an excuse or to negate the great things you’re trying to say.
“I love you, but…” = I love you.
“I’d like to help, but…” = I can’t, I’m sorry. Or I won’t, I’m sorry.
“I tried to get it done, but…” = I’m sorry, I dropped the ball. Let me get that done for you.
50. Find an organizational system that works.
I use Franklin Covey and have for years. There are a LOT of good systems out there. Fine one and spend half a day reallyyyyy learning to use it well. It will change your life. I’m lost without mine.
51. Schedule a family portrait.
Not snapshots. Portraits with a real photographer. Maybe in a studio. These become family heirlooms.
52. Go to a movie once a month with someone who’s important to you.
This is another memory creator. Whoever you see the movie with will always share that bond with you.My kids and I still talk about various movies we’ve seen together. We feel like they’re ours!
53. Get out of the office (whether you work at home or in a “real” office) once a week and go work at Starbucks.
Or anywhere with a similar atmosphere that includes wi-fi, coffee, and tables.
54. Be a good tipper.
Whatever you normally give, up it 5 percent, or an even dollar. You won’t miss it, but whoever receives it will appreciate it mucho.
55. Do an easy one-day home improvement or DIY prject.
This may mean painting one wall of your office a cheerful color or making something really cool you’ve found on Pinterest. This is huge self-confidence booster and an instant accomplishment.
56. Learn to fix one thing that you normally pay to have fixed.
Make sure you tackle something that you can’t make worse. I’m just sayin’ (from my own experience). But there are ?many tasks that you CAN easily do yourself.
57. If you get good service somewhere, ask to speak to the boss of whoever provided you the service.
That uber-friendly drive-thru clerk? Call when you get to the office and tell her manager that the employee brightened your morning.
58. Keep your sink clean most of the time.
The FlyLady swears by this. When she reached her lowest point in life, she resolved to do one thing: keep her sink spotlessly clean. Somehow that motivated her to slowly begin to work on the rest of her house — and her life.
59. Set a TV limit on yourself.
This is actually easy to do. Just pick the x number of TV shows that you can’t live without and watch only those. You can go to UnplugTheTV.com to watch stuff that will enrich your life more. Honestly, even if you only watch ONE less TV show per week, your IQ will jump up 10 points. And no, that’s not a scientific number. Just roll with me, OK?
60. Create an Amazon Wish List.
This is fun. It’s like shopping without actually spending money. Create your wish list at Amazon, then when you’re out shopping (at a bookstore or wherever), you’ll have your list handy.
61. Forgive yourself ?– for all your mistakes, but especially for not keeping a New Year’s Resolution.
If you do even on thing on this list, you’ve made a genuine effort to be a better version of you. Life is all about the journey. Enjoy! Be kind to yourself.
Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.
Tiffany Willis is a fifth-generation Texan and the founder and editor-in-chief of Liberal America. An unapologetic member of the Christian Left, she has spent most of her career actively working with ?the least of these? and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. She’s passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics she discusses,?like her?Facebook page,?follow her on Twitter, or?connect with her via LinkedIn. She also has?a?grossly neglected personal blog?and a?literary quotes blog that is a labor of love. Find her somewhere and join the discussion.
