2020: a new year full of possibilities, an entry to a new decade full of opportunities and milestones and even a leap year to boot! What’s not to be excited about?
If you’re planning on making some big changes this year (like me), you might want to set them as resolutions or goals to motivate you to achieve them, so that this can truly be the start of a new you.
Here are 20 New Year’s resolutions for you to explore:
1. Be kinder to yourself. Stop negative self-talk and don’t be afraid to say no to things that you don’t want to do. Forgive yourself for mistakes you’ve made in the past and strive to make better decisions for yourself and your future.
2. Make clearer goals. Instead of saying that you’d like to do this or that someday, set goals that you’d like to get done by a certain date. Maybe break things up into smaller steps so that each bit is more achievable instead of just one giant task that’s looming over you.
3. Breathe. Amidst the stress of classes, work, clubs, personal projects and life itself, don’t forget to take a break and breathe.
4. Read more. Not for school, but just for the fun of it! Whether you like fiction or nonfiction, there’s so many amazing books out there to explore. Not only can you learn something new, but it can also improve your memory and concentration.
5. Walk more. This is much better for the environment than driving everywhere, plus walking is a great way to get some cardio in if you don’t have time to go the gym as often as you’d like.
6. Dress better. We all have our casual days where leggings and a sweatshirt are the uniform of choice which definitely isn’t a bad thing! But it also doesn’t hurt to put more effort into your outfits from time to time, especially as you move up to doing interviews and taking internships.
7. Learn a new language. Even if you’re not planning on traveling anywhere anytime soon, it’s always fun to learn about a new culture or language. A free, easy way to get started is with Duolingo!
8. Cook more. Not only does it help you save money, but it’s also a fun way to get creative with your meals if you’re tired of eating the same things from the cafeteria over and over.
9. Socialize more. If you’re like me and would rather be by yourself most of the time, it’s always good to get out once in a while and hang out with friends or meet new people. It doesn’t require a big party, either—if you prefer smaller gatherings, you should go for that as well.
10. Find an artistic outlet. Whether it’s writing, singing, dancing, crafting or playing a musical instrument, finding a way to express yourself artistically is a great stress reliever, and it can help you be more creative in other aspects of your life, too.
11. Let go. Whether it’s an ex-lover or a toxic friend, it’s important to let go of any angry or hurt feelings you have toward them or the situation and move on so that it doesn’t hold you back from the present.
12. Learn some new skills. This goes beyond padding your resume. Learn skills that you’re genuinely interested in using in the future.
13. Pick up some new hobbies. Don’t let watching Netflix be the only thing you consider a hobby. Get creative and find something you can have fun with!
14. Save money. We’re all broke college students but spending every paycheck in one go is going to keep you broke, so develop a habit of saving a little bit from each paycheck that you can put toward emergencies, trips, or other big purchases you’re considering.
15. Spend more time with the people you love. This goes along with socializing, but in your quest to better yourself, don’t forget to spend time with the people who are always there for you.
16. Find your passion. It doesn’t hurt to try a little bit of everything, but it’s also important to find what you’re passionate about because that helps you grow so much more as an individual.
17. Give more compliments. There’s a lot of people you might admire but you simply don’t say anything. Compliments are an easy way to brighten up someone’s day!
18. Declutter. You don’t have to go all Marie Kondo and throw out everything that doesn’t spark joy, but it doesn’t hurt to get rid of the things you haven’t touched in a long time. Not only does it make your space tidier, but it also makes your mind feel a little less stressed, too.
19. Try a new restaurant. Yes, I said to cook more often earlier, but when you’re out and about, don’t always settle for the usual sit-down spot. Try out that new place that just opened a few months ago. Who knows, it could even be your new favorite!
20. Be grateful. You might not be exactly where you want to be right now, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t at least a few things in your life to be thankful for.
Of course, you don’t have to do all of these. As long as you make 2020 your year, you’re already winning.