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As we get ready for the new year, it'd be a lie if we said we didn't have any New Year's resolutions.
I think we all do, whether in secret or we shout it out to the world, we all have this 'new year, new me' thing going on no matter how small or big our resolutions are.
Some people call it goals. Having a New Year's resolution or having goals is healthy. It gives you something to work towards, something to look forward to, and helps you stay focused and it's your own way of making your life better.
We always want to better ourselves and welcoming the new year is a way we try and reset for a fresh start.
But coming up with New Year's resolution ideas can feel overwhelming. You most definitely want your resolutions to be meaningful with what resonates with you and do not forget that they should be realistic. You don't just want a list of things that you'll forget about by February.
To help you out, I've listed 120 New Year Resolution ideas that are categorized in different areas of life like health, finances, relationships, personal growth, and more.
If you're looking for new year goal-setting inspiration, no matter how big or small, for yourself or ideas to share with family or friends, you'll find something here that might feel just right for you.
First things first— How to Stick to your New Year Resolutions
To be honest—setting goals is the easy part, but sticking to them is a whole different story.
We set goals in December to start in January and we're excited. Excited to see them through and achieve those goals that we've set for ourselves. But somewhere down the line, it dwindles off.
We tend to blame it on how life gets in the way and it gets more and more difficult to stick to them and we just end up forgetting about them and ensuring that we'll pick them up some other time.
This is normally the challenge but it doesn't have to feel impossible with the right strategies. It really is possible to stay on track and turn your resolutions into lasting habits.
Here are some practical tips to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions.
Limit the number of goals
It's quite tempting to want to overhaul your entire life come January, but taking on too much at once could possibly be a recipe for burnout.
Focus on a few meaningful resolutions and give them your focus. Once you've mastered those, you can always add more resolutions later in the year.
Make it easy by breaking it down
Looking at how you're going to manage big goals can be overwhelming—so break them into smaller, more manageable steps.
For example, if you resolve to save $5000, set a monthly saving target of $417. Focusing on your goal one step at a time makes the process feel less intimidating and more achievable.
Be specific and realistic
If your goal is to get healthier, which is a great goal—what does that really mean to you? What do you need to do to 'get healthier? So instead of a very broad goal like that, try, 'walk 10,000 steps a day' or 'eat one serving of vegetable at every meal'.
The more specific you are, the clearer you are about the steps you need to take towards achieving those goals.
And don't aim for perfection, instead, choose goals that challenge you but are realistic for your lifestyle.
Create a routine
Take your resolutions and goals and include them as part of your daily or weekly routine.
If you want to journal daily, you can tie it to your existing habits, like your morning coffee or your bedtime routine. Remember that consistency builds momentum and helps turn new habits into something that is second nature.
Track your progress
Keep your goals front and center by tracking your progress regularly. Use a journal, a habit-tracking app, or even a simple calendar to mark each day or each time you stick to your resolution.
Seeing the progress you're making can be incredibly motivating and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. It does make you want to push through and stick with it.
Find an accountability partner
Share your goals with someone you truly trust, someone who supports you, whether it's a friend, a family member, or even an online community you belong to.
Having someone check in with you or work with you toward similar goals can increase your motivation and keep you accountable.
Expect setbacks but don't give up!
Expect that there will be days when you fall off track, and that's okay.
The key is to treat setbacks as a temporary detour, not a dead end, and not to give up completely because of them. Look at what caused this setback and adjust your plan where needed, and instead of beating yourself up, get back on track.
Celebrate small wins
You should celebrate every little milestone. If your goal is to exercise three times a week, treat yourself to a new pair of leggings or even a smoothie after a month of being consistent.
Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reminds you that progress is worth celebrating, no matter how small.
Remember the 'Why'
Is it to be healthy, improve your finances, spend quality time with your loved ones, or go on that dream trip you've always wanted to go on. Whatever your intention was in the beginning, keeping your 'why' always in mind will help you stay motivated.
120 New Year Resolution Ideas
Now here are 120 ideas to inspire your new year goal setting.
Whether you're looking to improve your health, finances, relationships with loved ones, or personal growth and self care, there's something here for you.
Health Goals
Drink more water daily.
Start a regular exercise routine.
Try a new workout class every month.
Eat more vegetables.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Cut down on processed foods.
Practice mindful eating.
Quit smoking (or reduce your intake).
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Plan weekly meal prep to save time and eat healthier.
Start a morning yoga routine.
Take a daily walk for 20 minutes.
Go for regular check-ups with your doctor.
Take vitamins daily.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Join a fitness challenge with friends.
Limit your screen time before bed.
Take care of your mental health—journal or meditate.
Get your heart pumping with a new cardio routine.
Set a goal to lose a few pounds or maintain your weight.
Financial Goals
Create and stick to a budget.
Start saving for an emergency fund.
Pay off debt.
Automate savings every month.
Invest in a retirement fund.
Start using cash instead of credit cards for small purchases.
Track your spending to find areas to cut back.
Set a savings goal for a vacation or big purchase.
Read a personal finance book.
Learn about investing and start small.
Review and improve your credit score.
Reduce your monthly subscription services.
Start a side hustle or passive income stream.
Plan to save for your children’s education (if applicable).
Build or review your will.
Shop smarter—look for discounts, use coupons, and compare prices.
Stop impulse buying by making a shopping list.
Sell items you no longer need.
Set a debt-reduction plan and stick to it.
Set a realistic goal for how much money you want to save by the end of the year.
Relationship Goals
Spend more quality time with family and friends.
Plan a date night with your partner every month.
Call your parents or siblings once a week.
Be more present during conversations—put away your phone.
Write a letter or send a thoughtful message to someone important.
Reach out to old friends you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Show more appreciation to your partner.
Learn how to argue constructively.
Practice active listening.
Start a family tradition.
Set boundaries with people who drain you.
Volunteer or do charity work together as a family.
Start a new hobby with your partner.
Spend time nurturing your friendships—no excuses.
Work on improving communication in your relationships.
Be more open to giving and receiving compliments.
Create a "memory jar" with positive moments throughout the year.
Send thank-you notes to friends or family.
Plan a trip with your best friends.
Learn how to better manage your time with family.
Personal Growth Goals
Read a book every month.
Learn a new language.
Take an online course to advance your career.
Start journaling regularly.
Limit social media usage.
Develop a morning routine that sets the tone for the day.
Practice gratitude every day.
Start a new hobby or pick up an old one.
Learn how to say “no” without feeling guilty.
Set daily or weekly intentions.
Practice being more patient with yourself.
Meditate for 10 minutes every day.
Learn a new skill or craft.
Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Reduce negative self-talk and practice positive affirmations.
Set a goal to visit a new country or city.
Attend a personal development workshop.
Get rid of physical or emotional clutter.
Keep a gratitude journal.
Celebrate your small wins.
Home Goals
Declutter your home—start with one room at a time.
Organize your closets and donate unused items.
Clean your home weekly to maintain a tidy space.
Start a home improvement project.
Create a designated workspace for productivity.
Implement a family cleaning schedule.
Start composting or recycling.
Create a cozy corner in your living room to relax.
Reduce your carbon footprint (turn off lights, unplug devices).
Designate a space for mail and paperwork.
Make your bed every morning.
Plant indoor plants to freshen up your space.
Reorganize your kitchen for easier meal prep.
Add personal touches to your home decor.
Start a home maintenance checklist.
Create a routine for tidying up every evening.
Make your home a reflection of your style and comfort.
Invest in quality storage solutions.
Repair or replace items that are broken.
Rearrange furniture for a new vibe.
Selfcare Goals
Pamper yourself with a monthly self-care day.
Start a skincare routine that suits your skin type.
Treat yourself to a massage or spa day.
Take regular mental health breaks.
Practice deep breathing exercises for relaxation.
Spend time doing something creative just for fun.
Learn how to say no to things that drain your energy.
Start a bedtime routine that helps you unwind.
Treat yourself to a new hobby or activity that excites you.
Prioritize sleep and create a calming environment.
Spend time outdoors every week, even if it’s just a walk.
Practice mindfulness and stay present in the moment.
Indulge in a favorite hobby without guilt.
Do a digital detox for a weekend.
Schedule regular “me time” each month.
Invest in a self-care journal to track your progress.
Start a gratitude practice to enhance your outlook.
Enjoy a hot bath with essential oils or bath salts.
Get creative with your self-care routine—try something new.
Start saying "yes" to things that bring you joy.
Setting New Year resolutions and goals doesn't have to be stressful. Bear in mind that it's important to choose goals that align with your values and that resonate personally with you.
Whether you want to improve your health, finances, relationships, or personal growth, there are so many new year resolution ideas that can help you create a more meaningful year. The most important thing is to keep it realistic and stay committed with small steps eventually leading to big changes.
So happy goal setting and here's to making the next year your best year yet!
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