Happy New Year! If you’re like most people, you’re probably looking at January 2018 as the time to kick off your New Year’s resolution. But before you can get started on becoming an even better version of yourself, you need to decide on a resolution! Not only are resolutions like “get healthier” and “become happier” a bit unimaginative, studies show that general resolutions like these are most often abandoned.

If you’re in a resolution rut, we’ve got a few ideas we think you’ll like:

Financial

  • Take a deep look into your finances and know how much you have in each account.
  • Eat at home more often than you eat out.
  • On the first of each month, create a budget for that month — and stick to it!
  • Whether it’s $1 or $100, put aside some amount of money into a savings account each month.
  • Prioritize your debts and start paying off those that are due soonest or have the highest interest rate.
  • Cancel any cards or unnecessary accounts that you no longer use.
  • If you’re eligible for one, open up a 401(k) at you job.

Health and Wellness

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Choose the parking space furthest away from the building.
  • Drink at least one large bottle of water each day.
  • Strive to get at least six hours of sleep a night.
  • Call a friend instead of texting them.

Personal Growth

  • Read one book a month for pleasure.
  • Give at least one person a compliment each day.
  • Don’t bring your phone to the dinner (or lunch or breakfast table).
  • Learn how to cook.
  • Have some “me time” and go to the mall or a movie by yourself.
  • Accept your mistakes, learn from them and move on instead of letting them take over your life.
  • Be less argumentative with others.
  • Take up a new hobby.
  • Try your hand at creative writing or start a journal.
  • Gossip or complain less.

Educational

  • Get an internship.
  • Spend one weekend a month inside studying.
  • Take one class on something completely out of the ordinary.
  • Challenge yourself with one honors course.
  • Become a better note taker by using your laptop in class or color coding your notes.
  • Vow to complete assignments the day before they’re due so that you can review them after a full night’s sleep.
  • Take an SAT prep-course.
  • Have a conversation with someone who holds a completely different idea about something than you.
  • Join a club or activity, even if you don’t already know anyone in it.

Professional

  • Volunteer at a local shelter.
  • Create a resume.
  • Create a cover letter.
  • Update your LinkedIn Profile regularly.
  • Attend a networking event and talk to at least 10 new people.
  • Give yourself a 10-minute deadline for answering emails.
  • Decorate your cubicle each season.
  • Clean up your online social media profiles.
  • Get a part-time job.

Looking for more guidance in 2018? Debra Solomon, a life and career coach, helps young adults with autism and other learning disabilities identify their strengths and weaknesses to help find a job that best fits them! For more information about Debra Solomon’s coaching practice, visit her on the web.