The Latest

50 New Year’s Resolutions Ideas to Kickstart Your Year

By Dear Media | December 25, 2024

Can you believe another year is almost behind us? As the clock winds down on yet another year, the start of a brand new one is just around the corner. And, you know what that means it’s resolution time! Time for a fresh start and a chance to leave behind the challenges and setbacks of the past year and embrace new opportunities.

Making New Year’s resolutions is one of the most beloved traditions worldwide. It’s the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button, ditch those old habits, and dream up some fresh goals to work towards. But let’s be real, not all resolutions are created equal. It’s all too easy to get super pumped on January 1, only to let those big dreams fizzle out by the time February rolls around.

That’s why today, we’re sharing a round-up of super realistic and totally achievable New Year’s resolution ideas to help you kick off the new year on the right foot. Whether you’re looking to level up your fitness game, save up for a dream vacay, or just generally live your best life, we’ve got you covered. So grab a pen and paper and get ready to plan your most tremendous year yet!

In this post today, we won’t just jump into the ideas from the get-go. First, we’ll talk about what a New Year’s resolution actually is and also see whether it’s worth putting effort into before giving you simple-to-use tips to help you ensure your resolutions work this year. Understanding the true meaning behind a New Year’s resolution will help you appreciate the juicy ideas we’re about to share even more.

What is a New Year’s resolution?

Okay, so we know that making New Year’s resolutions is one of the most beloved traditions this time of year. But what exactly defines a resolution, and how is it different from a simple to-do list for the next 12 months?

A New Year’s resolution is a deliberate commitment to change or improve a specific aspect of your life. It’s all about personal growth, baby! Unlike a generic list of tasks, a resolution requires you to reflect on the past year and identify areas you want to focus on leveling up in the new year.

Whether it’s finally kicking that nail-biting habit, spending more time in the gym, or saving up for that dream vacation, resolutions give us the chance to set concrete goals and work towards becoming our best selves. It’s not just about making a bunch of wishes it’s about taking real, actionable steps to transform your life.

Do New Year’s Resolutions Work?

The success rate of New Year’s resolutions can be a little hit or miss if we’re being honest. It’s easy to get super pumped about changing your life on January 1, only to let those goals fall by the wayside a few weeks later. But why do some resolutions fail, while others help us achieve amazing things?

A big part of it comes down to how we approach our resolutions in the first place. Many people make the mistake of setting overly ambitious goals that quickly become overwhelming. Or, they try to tackle too many changes at once, spreading themselves way too thin. Without a clear plan of action and a way to track your progress, it’s all too easy to get discouraged and give up completely.

But here’s the good news, dolls: when you take the time to set achievable goals as resolutions and create a solid strategy to make them happen, those New Year’s goals can absolutely transform your life. It’s all about starting small, celebrating your wins, and surrounding yourself with a support system to keep you accountable. With the right mindset and a little elbow grease, those resolutions can take you further than you ever imagined.

How to Make New Year’s Resolutions

Alright, now that we’ve covered what a New Year’s resolution is and why some of them tend to fall flat, let’s talk about how to make resolutions that actually work for you. By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to crushing your goals and living your best life in the new year.

Start small.

One of the biggest mistakes people make with their resolutions is trying to take on too much at once. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a mile-long list of lofty goals, it’s better to start small, chica. Pick 1-3 resolutions that feel genuinely important to you and focus on tackling those first. Not sure how to focus your resolutions on meaningful changes? Here’s how to prioritize what’s really important. You can always add more as you start to build momentum.

Remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to real, lasting change. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself focus on making small, sustainable shifts in your daily life. Things like drinking more water, reading 10 pages of a book per day, or going for a 20-minute walk a few times a week. These bite-sized goals are way more achievable than suddenly revamping your entire lifestyle.

Get super specific.

Vague resolutions like “be healthier” or “save more money” are a surefire recipe for failure, dolls. If you really want to make progress, you need to get crystal clear on exactly what you’re working towards.

Instead of saying you want to “exercise more,” try something like “work out 3 times a week for 45 minutes.” Rather than the generic “save money,” set a specific goal like “put $200 into my savings account each month.” The more detailed you can be, the better. That way, you have a clear target to aim for and can track your progress along the way.

For some inspiration about how to figure out what the heck you want from life, we recommend checking out this podcast episode to help get you started: Romanticizing Your Life, Fitness Journey and Having the Courage to Change Your Mind About What You Want and Where You Want to Be from House Guest with Kenzie Elizabeth.

Make a solid action plan.

Now that you’ve got your resolutions dialed in, it’s time to map out exactly how you’re going to make them happen. Break down your big goals into smaller, measurable steps and assign realistic deadlines to each one. This will help you stay focused and motivated, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the end result.

Don’t forget to schedule time for your new habits, too. Whether it’s blocking off 30 minutes a day for meditation or setting a recurring calendar reminder for your weekly meal prep, making your resolutions a consistent part of your routine is key.

In this episode of the Dream Bigger Podcast with special guest Laura Davidson, you can find some great examples of SMART goals. Each letter of SMART stands for a different quality that your goal should have: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

You may also want to take some time to listen to some podcast episodes that detail how to plan and achieve your goals. Some episodes we recommend are:

Celebrate small wins.

As you’re working towards your resolutions, be sure to take the time to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Celebrating those mini milestones will help keep you feeling excited and encouraged, instead of burnt out.

Maybe you finally finished that book you’ve been meaning to read, or you managed to pack a healthy lunch for four days this week. Whatever it is, take a moment to hype yourself up! A little self-love and positive reinforcement can go a long way in keeping you motivated. As well as celebrating, remember to take some time to reflect, give thanks, and spread the good vibes!

Oh, and what’s more self-love than getting yourself a little something something? Grab this “Celebrate Your Wins” tee to elevate your wardrobe and remind yourself to reflect on all your victories!

Enlist support.

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to reach out for a little help. Surrounding yourself with a support system can make all the difference when it comes to sticking to your resolutions. Enlist your besties, partner, or family members to hold you accountable and cheer you on.

You could even join an online community or find an accountability partner who’s working towards similar goals. Knowing you have people in your corner who genuinely want you to succeed can provide the extra boost you need on those days when your motivation is waning.

Remember, making lasting changes isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset and strategy, you’ve got this! Start small, be specific, create a clear plan, celebrate your wins, and surround yourself with a supportive crew. Before you know it, those resolutions will be a thing of the past, and you’ll be living your absolute best life!

What are the best New Year’s resolution ideas?

Okay, now that you know how to set resolutions that actually stick, let’s dive into some amazing ideas to inspire your new goals. We’ve rounded up amazing resolutions across a variety of categories, so you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

Funny New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Sometimes, the best resolutions are the ones that are a little bit silly and lighthearted. After all, we could all use a good laugh, right? Here are some fun and funny resolution ideas to consider:

Learn a new dance move (the floss, anyone?).
Become a professional cat-watcher.
Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
Perfect your best celebrity impression.
Learn how to properly fold a fitted sheet.
Become the office’s resident bake-sale champion.
Adopt a “treat yo’self” mentality more often.

Family New Year’s Resolution Ideas

If you’re looking to strengthen those familial bonds in the new year, try implementing some of these family-focused resolutions:

Plan a weekly family game night.
Start a family journal or scrapbook to document memories.
Volunteer together at a local charity or community organization.
Plan a fun family vacation or day trip to a new destination.
Have a weekly family dinner with no phones or TV allowed.
Start a family gratitude practice, taking turns sharing what you’re thankful for.

Christian New Year’s Resolution Ideas

For my faith-focused dolls, here are some meaningful Christian resolutions to consider:

Spend more intentional time in prayer and Bible study.
Find ways to volunteer or serve at your local church.
Practice acts of kindness and generosity towards others.
Attend church services more consistently throughout the year.
Join a small group or Bible study to connect with your community.
Deepen your personal relationship with God.

Couples New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Want to strengthen your relationship in the new year? These couple-focused resolutions are perfect:

Schedule a monthly date night to reconnect.
Take a fun cooking class or learn a new skill together.
Plan a romantic weekend getaway or mini-vacation.
Start a couples journal to document your journey.
Establish a regular exercise routine you can do together.
Make intimacy a priority by setting aside quality time.

Creative New Year’s Resolution Ideas

If you’re looking to tap into your artistic side in 2023, consider these creative resolutions:

Pick up a new hobby like painting, writing, or photography.
Learn a new skill like playing an instrument or coding.
Start a blog, vlog, or creative project to share with the world.
Attend a local art show, music festival, or cultural event.
Declutter your living space and redecorate with DIY projects.
Experiment with a new creative medium each month.

One-Word New Year’s Resolution Ideas

Sometimes, a simple one-word resolution can be incredibly powerful. Here are a few ideas to ponder:

Simplify
Adventure
Mindfulness
Contentment
Gratitude
Growth

Other New Year’s Resolution Ideas

And lastly, here are some additional top-notch resolution ideas to round things out:

Drink more water and stay hydrated.
Read more books (try setting a monthly or quarterly goal).
Reduce stressful activities and establish a less stressful routine.
Start completing items on your bucket list.
Take a solo road trip or travel somewhere new.
Practice daily meditation, journaling, or breathwork.
Limit social media use to specific times.
Establish a work-life balance.
Declutter and organize your living space.
Save more money and create a detailed budget.
Quit bad habits like biting your nails or smoking.
Practice mindfulness and exercise for stress management.
Spend quality time with friends and loved ones.
Pursue a new career goal or educational opportunity.
Focus on self-care and improving your mental health.

Whew, that’s quite the list! Remember, the key is to start small, get specific, and create a solid action plan. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals and start the year off on the right foot. Oh, and don’t forget to celebrate all those mini-wins along the way—you’ve got this!

For even more tips on how to set and achieve your goals, be sure to check out these episodes from our favorite Dear Media podcasts: