We typically have some variation of the same New Year's resolutions every year: lose weight, save money, be a better person. But often those resolutions are out the window within a few weeks. It can be difficult to stay committed to a healthier and more active lifestyle, to stay organized when life gets hectic, and to kick long-standing bad habits. It's no wonder it often seems easier to give up way too soon, sometimes before we've even had the chance to make any headway toward our goals and feeling that sense of accomplishment.
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The trick is to start with smaller goals that are easy to reach and don't require too much discipline or self-control. If you start small, it's easier to then build more confidence and start tackling bigger projects that motivate you to commit to heftier resolutions in the future. This year, instead of stressing over what you didn't accomplish during the previous year, commit to these 15 simple New Year's resolutions that you'll actually want to keep. Trust us!
1. Hug your kids more.
Too easy, right? Well, usually. Life can get so overwhelmingly hectic and busy sometimes, that most of the day can fly be before we realize we haven't hugged our kids since waking them up in the morning. Make a habit of giving your kids a squeeze at regular intervals throughout the day, and it's sure to be a mood booster for all.
2. Read one more book.
Commit to reading just one more book than you did last year. Reading has so many benefits—it literally makes you smarter regardless of which genre you prefer. Reading improves vocabulary, memory, language skills, and more, and those benefits don't change just because you're a busy mom. So whether you choose fiction or nonfiction, paper books, e-books or audio books, even if one more book than last year means you read just a single book this year, go for it! And be sure to choose something that will hold your interest, even if you aren't an avid reader, so you don't end up shelving the book before you finish it.
3. Learn to make a dish from your culture.
There's just something about food that helps us get and stay connected with our cultures, and you certainly won't regret learning how to make a favorite dish you remember from childhood or even a random recipe from your family's country of origin. Whether you recruit a family member or friend to teach you or you use the internet or a cookbook, there will be good eats and a sense of accomplishment in your culinary future.
4. Go on the Taco Cleanse.
Every year, I strive to be healthier. And every year, I lose a little weight, gain a little, and generally stay the same. This year, instead of stressing about the number on the scale, I am going on The Taco Cleanse. Really, it's just a way for me to eat a whole lot more tacos every single day. And what's wrong with that?
5. Buy lingerie that makes YOU feel good.
It's nice to do something for your sweetie, but it's even nicer to do something good for you. Buying a fantastic new bra or even some sexy stockings that make you feel like a million bucks will ultimately make you your No. 1 fan. And you better believe that you deserve it!
6. Take a class in something you've always wanted to learn.
I've always wanted to try archery. Or drumming lessons. Or … I don't know, something fun! This is the year to try that thing you have always wanted to try. Maybe that means a pottery class or a cake decorating class or a Brazilian mixed martial arts class. Whatever it is, just go for it!
7. Have more chocolate, period.
Do I really need to explain this? Do we need to talk about how dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and good for you? Nah, let's skip that. Just have a piece of chocolate and be done with it!
8. Spend more time with friends and family.
We always want to spend more time with friends and family, but sometimes it's difficult to do that between work, family obligations, and who knows what else. This year, I'm going to set aside one night of the week to host a friend (or two) at my house. This way, we get to spend time together and I get some much-needed socializing at least once a week.
9. Do something to spark your creativity.
In case you have been living under a rock lately, adult coloring books are the latest trend. I've been a fan for a while, to be honest, and I'm happy to see others embracing this pretty way to relax. Doing something creative is a fun way to try something new, or just indulge in an old hobby you've long forgotten.
10. Make a part of your home your space.
It's easy to get overwhelmed with everything in the house. Whether it's work, cleaning, family time, or just plain old stress, the one thing that I really want to accomplish this year is creating a space in my home where I can just go and retreat whenever. Simply a place to relax, read, rest and just … do me, just me.
11. Help your community in some way.
Doing something good for other people, like volunteering at a children's hospital or with animals, is undoubtedly going to make you feel great. I like to volunteer at my local animal shelter to help socialize cats, which both makes me feel good for my community as well as de-stresses me. It's a resolution that's fun and doesn't actually feel like a resolution at all.
12. Indulge in that one beauty thing you just LOVE.
I love red lipstick. Absolutely, positively love it. In fact, I would say that I have about 15 shades of red lipstick … and counting. This year, I am letting go of my secret beauty shame and embracing it. Accepting that one beauty thing you're just totally obsessed with, and maybe doing it almost every day, is definitely one resolution that's easy to keep.
13. Start a daily jar and add to it every day.
Whether it's for saving money, achieving something, or simply writing down a happy thought every single day (my personal favorite), start a jar and collect something for 365 days. At the end of the year, open it up and enjoy your spoils! I'm looking forward to reading about all of my happy 2020 moments when I open my gratitude jar in 2021.
14. Save money for something you actually want.
Saving money for a rainy day and in a 401(k) is important, yes, but you should also be putting aside a little dough for something you actually want is nice, too. This year I'll be saving money for a trip to Europe … or maybe to my homeland, Cuba. It's definitely going to keep me motivated all year long to know that I have something awesome to look forward to.
15. Make time for something you love every single day.
This sort of encompasses all of the other resolutions, but a friend once told me that I shouldn't be prioritizing my calendar but scheduling my priorities. I took that advice to heart, and now make time for writing (my biggest passion and creative pursuit) every single day. What's that one thing you simply can't get enough of? Put time in your calendar to do it every single day!
