Let’s Kick off the New Year Right—Here Are 55 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for 2021 

Lose weight. Quit social media. Cut out alcohol completely. Blah blah blah snoozefest. These are all good goals, don’t get me wrong. But we set the same New Year’s resolutions every single year and then… never really stick to them. So, for 2021, why not shake things up a bit and try creating resolutions of a different variety? Whether you choose one new year resolution or all 55, you’ll be better off for it.

55 New Year’s Resolutions to Try for 2021

1. Focus on a Passion, Not the Way You Look

Influencer Mik Zazon, who’s on a mission to “normalize normal bodies,” tells Parade, “… I want to inform readers that resolutions are in fact NOT an invitation to start a diet or a workout plan but a beautiful reminder that a new year can bring new life to our passions.”

2. Work out to feel good, not be thinner.

Instead of obsessing over the scale, obsess over how amazing you feel since you started being more active. Numbers don’t mean much.

3. Stop gossiping.

Don’t be that person. Spread positivity.

4. Give one compliment a day.

You never know—it just might make that person feel a whole lot better.

5. Go a whole day without checking your email.

Nobody’s going to die. It can wait until tomorrow.

6. Do Random Acts of Kindness

Norbert, the famous therapy dog, reminds us that anyone can be kind, and it costs you nothing.

“I may be only 3 pounds, but it’s not the size of the dog, it’s the size of the heart that counts. Through social media, I love to bring joy into people’s lives by making them smile with my photos and videos … I think acts of kindness and generosity make the world a better place. We call my community of nearly two million followers worldwide the ‘Norberthood.’ We encourage caring and compassion and believe it is better to be thoughtful and kind than to bully. Let’s spread smiles together! As I say, you don’t have to be big to make a BIG difference in the world.”

7. Read a book a month.

Haven’t you heard? Reading is good for your brain, it can reduce stress, and it can improve your memory and concentration.

8. Go someplace you’ve never been.

Step outside of your comfort zone and do something daring. It’s good for the soul and forces you to learn new things.

9. Clear out the clutter.

Clutter is literally bad for your health. Research says it stresses you out. Make 2021 the year of organization and cleanliness.

10. Turn off your phone one night a week.

You’re sleeping anyway. You don’t need it!

11. Reduce your waste.

Some research says that the average American produces over 2,000 pounds of trash every year. Gross. Reduce your waste by ditching paper towels in favor of rags you cut up from old towels and clothes. Another easy switch is reusable grocery bags. It makes a difference!

12. Volunteer.

Not only is volunteering good for your own mental and physical health, but you’re doing something kind and selfless for others.

13. Travel on a small budget.

“Traveling on a budget is all about flexibility and being willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and luxury in favor of seeing the world and the life-changing experiences that travel comes with,” says Eli Solidum, The Partying Traveler. “A lot of people have the idea that travel needs to be luxurious and holidays need to be expensive for them to be fun. My experience over the last three years of budget backpacking says otherwise.”

14. Write down one thing you’re grateful for every night.

End the night with gratitude and you’ll feel better when you lay your head down on your pillow.

15. Drink more water.

You’ve probably heard that your body needs it. 75 percent of us are chronically dehydrated. Drink up!

16. Take some of your paychecks and put it in savings or investment.

Even just a small percentage can really add up down the line. Plan for the future and don’t be silly with your money.

17. Stop multi-tasking.

Multi-tasking can lead to memory problems, it reduces our brains’ grey matter, it hurts productivity and efficiency, and it can even increase stress, anxiety, and depression. Focus on one thing at a time.

18. Talk to yourself with kindness.

We aim to be nice to others but then criticize ourselves relentlessly. Stop! Think nicer things about yourself.

19. Call a friend instead of texting them.

You can Facetime them for extra measure!

20. Don’t buy things you don’t need.

Bad habit. We love to spend money even if it’s for no good reason. Don’t need it? Don’t buy it.

21. Keep a journal.

The University of Rochester Medical Center says that journaling can help battle anxiety, stress, and depression. Even if you write only a few sentences, you can reap the benefits.

22. Clean out your car.

It’s so easy for it to become trashed, especially if you drive a lot. Spot clean as you go so that your ride is always looking sharp.

23. Put your bills on autopay.

If this won’t put you under any financial stress, do it! It’s one less thing you have to think about and you’ll never pay late fees again. Win-win.

24. Take the stairs.

It’s good for your caboose.

25. Go to the dentist when you’re supposed to.

Your oral health can actually have an impact on things that are happening in other parts of your body, like your heart and lungs.

26. Be kind on social media.

“I think everyone who uses social media should strive to empathize more with strangers and respond to others on the internet with kindness,” says Julia, also known as itsblitzzz. “Don’t let hate or bullying be motivation for interacting on social platforms.”

27. Let go of grudges.

Wouldn’t it be nice to start 2021 with a clean slate? Leave hate behind. Anger is so 2020.

28. Stay in touch with the people who matter.

Even a quick call, text, or email can make a world of difference.

29. Try a totally new restaurant.

Go on. Be adventurous. Get that strange sushi roll or order takeout from the Indian restaurant that just opened up down the street.

30. Start a new hobby.

Do new stuff. Let yourself blossom in 2021.

31. Travel somewhere without posting about it on social media.

“No status updates, no photos… just go on vacation and not tell anyone,” says travel writer Reannon Muth. “That might seem silly but in a world where ‘it didn’t happen unless you post it about it on Instagram,’ it can be a challenge to resist the temptation to post that sunset beach photo or poolside cocktail selfie.” Here are safe vacations you can take during COVID!

32. Bring a plant into your home.

They might help reduce your stress and improve your productivity.

33. Sanitize your personal belongings.

Cell phones might be the dirtiest things we touch all day, with 25,127 bacteria per square inch. Nasty.

34. Start cooking!

Bonus points if it’s something you feel like you’re not good at.

35. Buy less plastic.

It’s polluting our oceans, destroying the earth, and hurting animals. Be more aware of what you’re buying.

36. Send handwritten letters.

Nobody does this anymore, and it’s such a thoughtful, genuine gesture. Make somebody’s day!

37. Donate clothes you never wear.

We tend to hang onto stuff “just in case.” If you haven’t worn it in a year, give someone else the chance to.

38. Pay off your credit card every month.

And if something is so expensive, you think that you won’t be able to? Don’t buy it.

39. Avoid people who complain a lot.

It doesn’t matter how positive a person you are. Negativity spreads, and it will impact you. And on a similar note…

40. Remove negativity or anything that makes you feel lousy.

Even things like super sad movies or news sources that just upset you.

41. Travel somewhere with no map.

“I’d also recommend going on a road trip without using Apple or Google maps. No GPS. Just start driving and see where it takes you,” says Muth. “You’ll never know what sort of fun and exciting adventure you’ll end up on as a result.”

42. Wear sunscreen.

The sun can do damage even when you’re driving in the car. Make SPF your new best friend.

43. Cook more.

It’s therapeutic, and you’ll probably end up with something pretty darn delicious.

44. Get a Real Haircut

Some of us are so attached to our hair—literally and figuratively. Chop off a few inches. You might feel like a new person.

45. Do Something That Scares You

Practice a little bravery.

46. Make Your Bed Every Morning

Making your bed helps you accomplish something first thing in the morning and thus starts your day with success.

47. Stay on Top of Your Inbox

Is the number of unread messages creeping up on you? Stay on top of it and aim to clear your inbox out throughout the week.

48. Try Guided Meditation

Meditation offers a whole host of science-based benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety and improved memory and attention span. Try an app like Headspace.

49. Stretch It Out

We spend so much time sitting and staring at our phones, all hunched over. Loosen up those tight muscles with even just five minutes of stretching each day.

50. Craft Something Yourself

Even if you’re not the artsiest, DIY-type of person, the satisfaction you get from making something with your own hands is undeniable. It can be as small as a candle or as big as a coffee table.

51. Go to Bed Happy Each Night

“Never go to bed angry.” It’s a cliche, but it’s true. Aim to start and end each day with happiness and gratitude.

52. Spot Clean as You Go

Overwhelmed by a filthy house you have to clean from top to bottom each weekend? Simple solution: Clean as you go. Wash dirty dishes after each meal and wipe down toilets and countertops throughout the week. Easy peasy.

53. Pay it Forward

Did someone do something nice for you recently? 2021 is a great time to do something nice for another. Maybe you’ll pay for someone’s coffee in the Starbucks drive-thru or buy a meal for a homeless person. Receive good things, and spread them, too.

54. Talk Less, Listen More

Good things happen and you learn and notice so much when you spend more time listening.

55. Whatever Your Goals Are, Write Them Down

People who write down their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them. Whatever you want in 2021, commit it to paper.