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27 New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep in 2023

A go-to (and diet-free) list of achievable changes you can make in the new year.

Leah Hall
preview for 10 Things You Never Knew About New Year’s

The fun of New Year's is a given, whether you like to watch New Year's movies or playing a New Year's game at home with family or head out for a glitzy party or night on the town to ring in the new year. But the change in calendar is also a great time to hit refresh on what your life looks like and think about New Year's resolutions to adopt. Yes, they can be intimidating. Yes, they can feel so unattainable it might not seem worth even thinking about. But if you start by thinking about what is practically doable for you in small steps in 2023, you might find resolution making can add a bright spot to your year.

To help spark ideas for what might be a good New Year's resolution for you for 2023, we've put together a list of 27 of our top ideas as examples. Some are simple, some are unique. Which one is right for you? You might start by writing out a few new goals for the year to guide you to resolution or two. Cheers to a new year and all the changes it can bring!

1

Schedule More Girl Time

women shopping together in shoe store
Peathegee Inc//Getty Images

"I've just had too much girl time lately," said NO. ONE. EVER. Plan a shopping, dinner, or coffee date to catch up on all the things. Or better yet—invite your girlfriends over for snacks and sips. Your place doesn't close, after all.

2

Get Outside

couple taking pictures and enjoying view during sunrise mountain hike
Thomas Barwick//Getty Images

Even if you don't consider yourself the outdoorsy type, it's a proven fact that connecting with nature reduces stress. So take a hike (or even a stroll), watch a sunrise or sunset with someone you love, or take that extra lap around the park with your dog. The fresh air will do you good!

3

Compliment Someone and Mean It

two businesswomen walking together and talking outdoors in the city
pixelfit//Getty Images

Although this may be harder for some than others (introverts, we see you), go the extra mile and pay someone a compliment—whether it's a coworker who has just killed it on her quarterly report presentation or the person in front of you in the coffee line whose jacket you love. A simple sentiment can go a long way in boosting the recipient's mood, and yours as well. Share the love with those closest to you, too. It may be a while since you told your significant other how pretty their eyes are or your kid that you noticed them practicing good manners.

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4

Make Your Bed

a pretty white bedroom with a big window over the bed
David Tsay

You've likely heard this your whole life, but really: Make your bed every day. It seriously only takes a few minutes (if even!). Plus, it makes your whole bedroom feel neater and cleaner. And chances are if you don't do it in the morning, you'll end up straightening it up at night when all you want to do is go to sleep!

5

Keep Your Car Clean

cheerful family raising hands while enjoying road trip in electric car
Maskot//Getty Images

Tidying up the house is a fine goal, but when you think about other places your family spends the most time—the car is likely at the top of the list. Give your vehicle one, good deep clean early in the year, then maintain it with a little help from your crew. Remind kids to dispose of snack wrappers and other trash. Keep car cleaning wipes in the console—the carpool line is a great time for a quick wipe-down!

6

Grow Something

a woman watering her plant that is perched in the windowsill
LOUISE BEAUMONT//Getty Images

So you don't have a green thumb. Although gardening can be intimidating to some, start small. Try your hand at growing indoor house plants, air plants (you practically do nothing!), or even container vegetable garden (who doesn't love fresh herbs and grape tomatoes?).

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7

Don't Hit Snooze

close up of a woman having troubles waking up
Geber86//Getty Images

Why does the alarm seem to sound off earlier and earlier every day? You're not the only one who feels this way! But think twice before hitting snooze. Wake up when the alarm says so—you're the one who set it after all. Consider what that extra 8 minutes does for your morning routine—or just stay in the shower an extra 8!

8

Paint a Room

happy multi ethnic couple comparing color swatch with wall
Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images

Freshening up your walls with a coat of paint is like a clean slate for your decor. Once you've picked a color, set yourself up for success by studying up on how to paint a wall and the materials you need. For paint palette inspiration, check out best bedroom paint colors, kitchen paint color ideas, and best paint colors for small spaces.

9

Chronicle Books Journal One Line A Day

Journal One Line A Day
9

Chronicle Books Journal One Line A Day

$15 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

If you've always wanted to keep a consistent journal, whether it's about your day or to record your daily gratitude, why not make this the year you actually do it?! A five-year version like this One Line a Day journal allows you to establish a rhythm of journaling by capturing a few thoughts from the day in quick bursts. You might be surprised at how this simple habit will help you record memories, express emotions, and find contentment.

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10

Read More

laughing women in book club
Hill Creek Pictures//Getty Images

If you love to read, commit to reading one new book (or more) a month. One good way to keep yourself accountable is to join or start a book club. It's a great way to discover new books and connect with friends, new and old. Bonus: We bet your screen time average will decrease!

11

Write Snail Mail

new years resolutions
Morten Falch Sortland

The past couple of years have shown us all that staying in touch with loved ones is important. Sure, you can send a text or an email, but we say step it up a notch and send actual mail! Start this goal by sending a few letters or cards over a couple of months. Think beyond holidays—a "just because" note will totally make someone's day!

12

Drink More Water

Drink More Water
12

Drink More Water

Credit: ban.do

Here we are...another year of wanting to drink more water. Start small by replacing 1-2 drinks a day with water. Maybe you replace that second cup of coffee with a glass or two of water. Next, buy a fun water bottle or cup, like this one from Ban.do. Level up your resolution by trying some healthy add-ins like fresh lemon or lime, fruit, or cucumber.

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13

Try Something New Each Month

new years resolutions
Rawpixel

Who says your resolution has to be sticking to just one thing? Shake things up by setting a goal to try something new and different each month. If you're a foodie, consider trying a new restaurant, recipe, or ingredient. Whatever goal you pick, start small, and work up to signing up for that pottery or Barre class. Get creative and don't forget to get your friends and family involved—they might help keep you accountable!

14

Support Local Restaurants

new years resolutions
Irina Milevskaya / EyeEm

You know that place you pass all the time on your way to the salon and have always wondered what all the fuss was about? Now's the time to try it! Make it a point to pick a new spot each week and support the local haunts that need it the most. Now this is an easy resolution to get behind!

15

William Morrow & Company Pay Off Some Debt With a Spending Fast

Pay Off Some Debt With a Spending Fast
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William Morrow & Company Pay Off Some Debt With a Spending Fast

Credit: Amazon

Tackling debt can be overwhelming, to say the least. If you're looking to pay off some debt this year, consider checking out Anna Newell Jones's book The Spender's Guide to Debt Free Living. She explains that one of the things that helped her was to go on a spending fast for a year. While it may feel daunting to fast from all extra spending for a whole year (ack!), approach the task in smaller doses, like a month or two for a particular area of your budget. It could be fasting from ordering out for 30 days and only cooking at home. Look at your budget to see what you've saved, pat yourself on the back, and apply that money to paying down debt.

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16

Make Monthly Playlists

new years resolutions
MixMedia

Want a soundtrack to your year? Document your favorite songs each month by saving them to a monthly playlist on Spotify. As you hear a song that speaks to you or you find yourself listening to on repeat, add it to the playlist. By the end of the year, you'll have an amazing collection of songs (and likely some new artists too) to look back on in the coming years.

17

Learn a New Hobby

new years resolutions
A&Me

Everyone needs a little down time, and a hobby is an excellent way to force your mind to think about things other than the kids or your job. When you're looking for something to keep your hands busy (and, let's be honest, give you a little zoning-out kind of therapy), try one of the many hobbies out there, like knitting, sewing, or embroidery. If getting outside is a goal, try your hand at gardening. Whatever you pick, remember that easing yourself into a new activity will help you stick with it if it's something you enjoy doing.

18

Walk a Mile a Day

new years resolutions
mikroman6

It's possible that you're already walking (or running) a mile a day. In that case, set a goal to be more active in general. Try parking at the back of the parking lot at the grocery store to get in more steps, or take the stairs instead of the elevator when it makes sense. Set a step or distance goal and get creative about how you achieve it. We bet taking the long way to the park will make you (and your dog) happier!

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19

Shed Some Weight by Decluttering

new years resolutions
Weekend Images Inc.

The turn of a new year is an ideal opportunity to get organized! Spend some time going through all that stuff you've accumulated lately, one room and closet at a time. Find a local Goodwill, thrift store, or non-profit that is currently taking items, and donate your gently used items. The freedom you feel from a decluttered home will be worth all the effort. Take it one step further by vowing to keep your drawers, shelves, and closets tidy all year round.

20

Put Away Laundry—All The Way

new years resolutions
Nina Vartanava / EyeEm

They say the farthest distance is from the laundry basket to your closet, right?! If you fall into the trap of folding laundry only to get it halfway to its home, make this the year to change that. Start by forgetting your old laundry system. Kendra Adachi of The Lazy Genius Podcast recommends dividing your clothes before they get washed into piles of their final destination rather than their color. Once a destination is washed and dried, fold or hang within an hour to avoid the dreaded wrinkles (and procrastination!).

Lettermark
Leah Hall

Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Happy New Year 2023

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