15 New Year’s Resolutions You Will Actually Keep

The new year is a time for rebirth. Instead of choosing your regular resolutions (loose weight, see family/friends more, quit smoking) try something different. Take a closer look at your life, focus on a specific aspect that needs a different approach, and vow to work hard to make a change. Here are 15 resolutions you might actually keep this year.

Be Positive on Social Media

Stop posting negative things on Facebook and Twitter. If you really need to vent, choose a close family member of friend, not the internet. Why do you want to be the source of negative information?

Say “Hi”

You know that cute guy at the gym you always try not to make eye contact with? Yeah, this is the year of courage. Just say "hi!" You never know what that small gesture could lead to.

Get Rid of Frenemies

It's time to cut off the ties with people you pretend to like but secretly despise. You aren't doing yourself or your frenemy any favors. Surround yourself with people you actually enjoy spending time with, like close friends, family members, or yourself.

Rethink Social Media

Stop obsessing over how many people like your Instagram picture. If you liked the picture enough to post it, that should be good enough for you. If other people happen to like it too, good for them. Your worth is not equivalent to how many likes you get or how many followers you have.

Pay It Forward

Help a stranger out. Next time you're at the Starbucks drive-thru, pay for the person behind you. You will never know what your small gesture meant to that person, but I guarantee it will make your day much better.

Stop the Obsession With Your Phone

Turn it off at dinner. Instead of Instagramming 5 pics of your nature hike, simply live in the moment. Your phone doesn't always have to be your lifeline. If you are constantly attached to technology, you are going to miss a lot.

Take a Fashion Chance

Try a trend you never thought you could pull off. Harem pants, floppy hats, dark lipstick! The world is in the palm of your hand, or in the back of your closet. All you need is confidence and you can pull off anything.

Support Local Businesses

Shop locally. Eat locally. Check out the neighborhood band. Shop at boutiques instead of chains, they aren't all super expensive. Consumers are in charge of the economy, so know where your money is going.

Vocalize Your Thoughts

Guess what? People do not have mind reading powers! I know, crazy, right? Speak your mind. If you want your boyfriend to commit, tell him (in a non-psycho way.) If you think you deserve a raise, prove it to your boss. If you would like your mom to stop trying to micromanage your life, show her that you are responsible adult who makes good choices (most of the time.)

Stop Judging

Stop being so shallow. Next time you find yourself judging someone for their appearance, try to put yourself in his or her shoes. Do you like when people constantly critique your style, outfit, or appearance? No? Then stop doing it to others.

Focus on Family

Strengthen relationships with family. Is that argument you had with your mom three Thanksgivings ago really that important? Put the past behind you, be the bigger person, apologize, and move on.

Build Your Self Confidence

You are your harshest critic. Stop pointing out the things you would like to change or the mistakes you have made. Focus on the things you love, aspects of your life that are going well, or obstacles you have overcome, both big and small. If you truly believe that you are a beautiful person, others will too.

Make Time for Yourself

Schedule time out of your busy life to take care of yourself. Whether it's an hour at the spa, a morning run, or a good book in the tub, you will never realize how exhausted you are, until you give yourself a moment to relax.

Tip Generously

If you have ever worked as a waiter or waitress, you know how stressful the job can be. A good tip can totally turn around a bad day. Even an extra dollar can go a long way.

Watch Less TV

TV drains your energy and does nothing to elevate your mood. Go for walk around the block, organize your room, learn something new, read a book. Once you realize how fun and productive your life can be without hours of mindless TV, you will never go back to being a couch potato.