Resolutions You’ll Want to Keep

Instead of resolving to give up something, why not pick a resolution (or two) that you will actually enjoy sticking to? These eight resolutions are not only good for you and your family, but they’re eco-friendly—and FUN too! 

Starting now, resolve to get more of what really matters in life…

1. More Fun
Get to know your neighbors by organizing a community potluck dinner that travels from house to house, or designate one night a month to get together with friends for dinner or to play board games.

2. More Time
Slow down and take a moment each day for yourself. Designate one or two nights each week when you turn off the TV, make a meal and eat dinner with family or friends.

3. More Money
Recover from holiday spending by making a plan to stay out of debt and stick with it all year long. Make a plan to increase your savings by setting up a direct deposit from your paycheck to your savings account.

4. More Creativity
Pick something you have never done before and make sure this is the year you do it. Try your hand at Japanese cooking, learn to knit with the kids, or sign up for lessons in hip-hop, swing or salsa dancing.

5. More Nature
Instead of resolving to go to the gym three times a week, pick one day to go walking, hiking, skiing, bike riding or just resolve to spend more time outside. Numerous studies have shown the body-mind benefits of going outside to play are HUGE!

6. More Adventure
Let your kids take one weekend a month to try new things, or expose them to something they have never tried before. For example, if your teenage son has been begging to go play paintball, try it together. 

7. More Energy
Instead of punishing yourself with restrictive diets or small portions, focus on simply improving the quality of the foods you eat. Start by buying more whole foods (as opposed to processed stuff). Add more organic and fair trade foods to your diet too.

8. More Goodness
Rack up good karma points by doing a good deed for someone else. You could volunteer to baby-sit for a friend, help a neighbor with yard work or feed a stranger's meter. Or you could help out at a homeless shelter, retirement home or school throughout the year, when those places need the most help—not just during the holidays.

Courtesy of the Center for a New American Dream, NewDream.org.