Introducing Headway’s New Year’s resolution list
The new year is approaching, and it’s time to think about your plans for the next 365 days. January is perfect for fresh starts, but understandably, some people dread this season.
Previously, New Year’s resolutions have been about exercise, eating, money, or business. However, when you set your goals this year, we encourage you to think about good New Year’s resolutions for all areas of life.
For 2023, our New Year’s resolution ideas are about sparking joy in work, love, life, and beyond. You may see some traditional ideas in there, but we think tinier resolutions this year are the way forward. Instead of setting unattainable goals, join us as we take small steps to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Check the following list of books to support your journey and help you stick to your 2023 New Year’s resolution list.
Key points:
The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about what you want from life. Instead of overwhelming goals, we’re setting tinier resolutions this year for an effortless way to elevate your life.
Choose from 33 manageable and fun ways to call in 2023, from getting creative and planning your business idea to practicing mindfulness techniques for your mental well-being.
The Headway app makes reading and learning accessible on the go! Whether you want to read more in 2023 or would like to know about your new resolution, you can read or listen to bite-sized insights from your favorite books.
Make resolutions this year that are realistic and attainable. Then, schedule time in your calendar to learn and complete each activity.
33 New Year’s resolution ideas for 2023
Welcome to Headway’s 2023 New Year’s resolution list! Think of this as a pick-n-mix: choose a New Year’s resolution that suits you, leave the ones that don’t resonate, and start working towards a fresh year!
#1 Make time to read more
Whenever you think of improving your life, you typically think of learning and leisure. Well, reading falls under both of those! Thus, the first resolution on our list is to read more. Reading can boost creativity, expand your knowledge, and provide new perspectives.
It can be challenging to find time to read, amongst other responsibilities. This is why here at Headway, we want to support you on this journey. With the Headway app, you can read or listen to the main ideas outlined in any book in just 15 minutes. You can also take advantage of fun challenges and streaks that will help you stick to your resolution for longer than a few weeks. And the best part is that you can choose from thousands of must-read books on our app. Start your year on the right track with Headway!
a person reading a book and holding a cup of coffee.
#2 Implement more stress-relieving activities
Stress can have all sorts of impacts on our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Let’s face it: life isn’t supposed to be all about stress. So, why not make it a priority to ease those unwanted feelings in 2023? If you’re looking to read more about how stress impacts humans and what to do about it, check out How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie.
#3 Find a balance between work and play
Working towards your career is fun and exciting, but be mindful of how much energy you give it. Try finding a balance between work and play this coming year, as it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
#4 Cook a new meal each week
We all want to eat nutritiously, so take a more straightforward approach by learning new recipes. Challenge yourself to make a new meal every week or month. If you’re unsure what foods to incorporate into your lifestyle, read or listen to insights from James Collins’ The Energy Plan, a book about eating to boost energy and performance.
#5 Learn a new skill
Learning is fun (and you can’t convince us otherwise). Make 2023 the year you take up that new hobby you’ve been thinking about. Maybe you’ve loved the idea of rollerblading, learning how to play an instrument, or getting crafty.
#6 Make time for friends
Between families, a job, and managing your home; it’s common for friends to be the last on your to-do list. However, maintaining friendships isn’t as difficult as we may believe. Try booking small activities or phone calls to catch up with friends in a way that is doable for you both.
#7 Invest in yourself
Have you got an idea that is burning to come out? Have you been neglecting your own needs to please those around you? Whether learning to love yourself or finally starting that passion project, make your new resolution to invest in yourself. Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo is a great book to explore for breaking down these big goals into manageable steps.
#8 Give one compliment a day
A simple and kind gesture can go far in life. If you’re looking for tinier resolutions this year, aim to give one compliment daily.
#9 Find new ways to support climate change
It’s not too late to make eco-friendly changes in your life. Task yourself with finding new ways to support the planet, such as using less single-use plastic or buying fewer clothes.
a family of four gathered in the kitchen, laughing as they unpack their groceries.
#10 Practise gratitude
Consider making a gratitude jar for a New Year’s resolution. Every time you think of something you’re grateful for, write it down and put it in the jar. Soon enough, you’ll have a whole pot of gratitude for days you’re feeling down.
#11 Practice good financial habits
Have you let your finances go these last few months? Let’s get back on track by buying intentionally, saving more, and using money wisely. Listen to key insights from Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche on the Headway app for simple steps to stress-free finances.
#12 Be mindful of how you use social media
Put your hand up if you got stuck in a TikTok scroll this week. Sounds relatable! Social media can be so much fun, but it also has downsides. Use the start of 2023 to set boundaries with your social media accounts and take more time offline.
#13 Work on making your living space more welcoming
Your home is the place you should feel warm, safe, and comforted. If yours lacks that magical feeling, check out Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life, to discover how feng shui can change the feel of your home.
#14 Work on your listening skills
While communication is a fundamental life skill, many forget this includes listening. Work on your listening skills to deepen your connections for your New Year’s resolution. You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy is a good place to start understanding the importance of listening.
#15 Give more hugs
Nothing beats a warm hug from a loved one. In fact, it’s well-known that physical touch benefits our well-being, making it even more important to hug your loved ones the next time you see them.
#16 Consider therapy
Going to therapy has become much less of a taboo subject. Many people appreciate it as a tool to learn how to care for one’s mental health and prevent a downward spiral.
#17 Do something you loved as a child
Sometimes in adulthood, we lose touch with our playful side. 2023 may be the year you reconnect with your inner child and spend more time doing the things you love.
#18 Give to charity
Giving to others is an excellent way to spread kindness and one of the best New Year’s resolutions. Consider giving away clothes you no longer need or donating what you can to a local charity.
#19 Upcycle your clothing
Not only can it be a fun activity with friends, but using your old clothes is a great way to reduce waste. You can listen to bite-sized learnings from The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth L. Cline on the Headway app to learn more about clothing and the planet.
#20 Go somewhere without your phone
Challenge yourself to be more present by going somewhere without your phone. Perhaps it’s to your local town or a whole weekend away. Catherine Price’s How to Break Up with Your Phone is an excellent read on this subject.
A person enjoying the outdoors as they walk through a forest.
#21 Practise kindness towards yourself and others
It’s free to be kind to others, and that includes yourself too. Kindness is crucial to building good connections and boosting your self-esteem.
#22 Try going vegan or vegetarian
Cutting back on meat and dairy products is good for the planet and our bodies. Join the numerous people doing Veganuary, following a vegan lifestyle for January. It can be a great way to discover new recipes too!
#23 Cut back on alcohol in January
Like Veganuary, many people partake in ‘dry Jan,’ a month without alcohol. Looking for a challenge to kick off the new year? This is the one for you.
#24 Start working on your business idea
This may not resonate with everyone, but if you’ve been sitting on an idea for a while, it’s time to back yourself! If you’re unsure how your business idea will work, take notes from Will It Fly? By Pat Flynn.
#25 Make 2023 the year of discipline
If you’ve got some time off this new year, use this to organize things you’ve been putting off. It is a great way to start the year off fresh.
#26 It’s time to prioritize self-care
Self-care has been a significant theme in 2022 resolution lists, and 2023 is no different. We’re encouraging you to prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and make resolutions this year that support your health.
#27 Confidence looks great on you, so why not wear it more?
Has 2022 been hard on you? Make this year the best yet by investing in yourself and building your confidence.
#28 Solo travel
Solo traveling can be an exciting way to explore new places and meet new people. If you’re up for the challenge, start your year by planning your first trip!
#29 Try your hand at investing
If you’re looking for better ways to spend your money, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle is a fantastic way to understand the investing world and make your money go further.
#30 Make a fun 2023 playlist
If you’re stuck for New Year’s resolution ideas, this one is for music lovers. Make a playlist for 2023 and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
A father and his two daughters dancing to music in a living room.
#31 Slow down your meal times
Make every moment count, including meal times. Practice mindful eating for a more enjoyable dining experience. This practice helps you savor the eating experience by tuning into the colors, smells, tastes, and textures. Although it isn’t strictly a guide to mindful eating techniques, Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, Ph.D., considers taking intentional action around when, why, how, and what you eat.
#32 Watch a new documentary
Learning is our bread and butter, so we love the idea of this new resolution. There are so many documentaries to choose from, so you’ll quickly find something that interests you!
#33 Stick to your resolutions
Ok, so it’s not an actual resolution, but doing your best to stick to your New Year’s goals might transform your life. If you struggle to pick up new habits or learn, check out the core learnings from Make It Stick on the Headway app.
How to stick to your New Year’s resolutions?
Coming up with New Year’s resolutions can be motivating and a great way to kick off 2023. Understandably though, many people need help to sustain the momentum of new habits as the months progress. With some support and guidance, you can maintain these hobbies, habits, and lifestyle changes. These are our top tips to make resolutions this year and stick to them:
Make it specific: Many New Year’s resolutions fall through because they are vague. Whether you want to eat better or read more, set a measurable goal of cooking one vegetarian meal a week or listening to key points on the Headway app for 10 minutes daily.
Schedule time to learn about your new resolutions this year: Read about them, watch tutorials, and plan how to start. Many find it helpful to have a clear picture of what they want to achieve.
Be realistic: You’re not going to do every one of our New Year’s resolution examples. Instead, pick five that resonate with you and be realistic with your time. Which goals are most important to you? Which one are you more likely to be motivated to achieve even after a few months?
Keep at it: Building new habits comes down to commitment and consistency. Making your goal a regular occurrence will make it easier to stick to. For example, if you want to increase the number of books you’re reading, try waking up 15 minutes earlier to read or listen to some insights on the Headway app.
Final thoughts
New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be complicated. Choosing tinier resolutions this year might make your New Year’s goals more achievable.
If you want to learn more about your chosen resolution (or simply to read more), you can listen and learn on the go with Headway. Sessions as little as 15 minutes can teach you the core insights of a book and get you started on your aspiration. We hope our New Year’s resolution list has inspired you to prioritize bite-sized goals that spark joy in your life as you enter the new year!
FAQs
What are the top 5 New Year’s resolutions?
Although many are opting for tinier resolutions this year, the most popular New Year’s goals include exercising, losing weight, changing their eating habits, practicing better financial habits, and working towards a career.
How many New Year’s resolutions can you have?
You can have as many New Year’s resolutions as you wish. However, if you want to follow through with them, it’s best to pick a couple of realistic aspirations.
What are good New Year’s resolutions?
The best New Year’s resolutions are the ones that suit your unique needs. For example, if you work a lot, you may enjoy using the Headway app to read more and practice self-care. Alternatively, you can enjoy establishing your business idea.
