I’ll be honest – I used to be that person who’d write off the entire year if I didn’t start my resolutions on January 1st.
But after years of this self-defeating cycle, I’ve learned something important: the perfect day to start fresh is today. As someone who’s struggled with keeping New Year’s resolutions, I’ve discovered that meaningful change doesn’t wait for a specific date.
Let me share seven simple New Year’s resolutions that transformed my daily life, and the best part? You can start any of them right now.
1. Making My Bed (Yes, Really!)
Admiral William H. McRaven once shared these famous words during a 2014 University of Texas commencement speech: “Making your bed encourages you to accomplish another task, then another, and then another. And at the end of the day, if you’ve done nothing else, at least you’ve made your bed.”And at the end of the day, when I feel like I’ve done nothing at all or haven’t accomplished much, at least I’ve made my bed.
This small habit sets a tone of accomplishment for my day. Start with this seemingly simple act and see how it inspires a cascade of productivity and positivity in your own life.
2. Letting Go of What I Can’t Control
This was a tough one for me, especially as someone who loves planning everything. Instead of endlessly scrolling news headlines and worrying about things beyond my reach, I started a gratitude practice. Now, when anxiety creeps in, I pull out my phone and list three things I’m thankful for. Sometimes it’s as simple as “my morning coffee was perfect today” – and that’s okay!
3. Finding My Voice
I used to think good communication meant always having the perfect response. Now I realize it’s more about listening and being authentic. Whether I’m sending work emails or having difficult conversations with friends, I focus on being clear and kind rather than perfect.
4. Investing in Myself (Without Guilt)
This one was a game-changer. I stopped feeling guilty about spending time and money on my growth. Sometimes it’s a new course, other times it’s just saying no to plans so I can have a self-care evening. The return on investment? Priceless.
5. Getting Dressed (Even When No One Sees Me)
Working from home nearly broke my getting-dressed habit. Some days, I’d realize it was 6 PM and I was still in pajamas. Now, I have a simple rule: change clothes after morning coffee. Even if it’s just switching to fresh loungewear, it shifts my mindset from “sleeping” to “doing.”
6. Starting Before I Feel Ready
That business idea you’ve been sitting on? The creative project you can’t stop thinking about? It’s time to take the leap.
Starting something new doesn’t require perfection. Myown journeywith this blog began without a journalism degree or web design experience. All it took was curiosity, courage, and a willingness to learn.
Take that first step—you never know where it might lead.
7. Random Acts of Kindness
This is my favorite new year’s resolution. One of the simplest and easiest resolutions that you can do today is to do something nice for someone else. Whether it’s picking up the phone and calling that family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Or you are sending an encouraging note to that friend who has been going through a rough time, doing something nice for someone else without expecting anything in return.
How I Actually Stick to These Resolutions
Real talk—here’s how I commit to these resolutions:
- I pick ONE resolution to focus on first (trying to overhaul your entire life overnight doesn’t work – trust me, I’ve tried!)
- I keep a resolution journal by my bed (nothing fancy, just a notebook where I track my progress)
- I have an accountability buddy (hi, bestie!)
- When I mess up, I show myself grace and start again the next day (no waiting for Mondays or new months)
The beauty of these resolutions is their flexibility. Some days I nail all seven, other days I barely manage one – and that’s perfectly okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress.
What about you? Which of these resolutions speaks to your current chapter in life? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your story and maybe even become resolution buddies!
