The new year is often seen as a time to make a start fresh. Many of us make resolutions. Some are elaborate and take a lot of work, making them seem overwhelming and difficult to stick with. But making resolutions doesn’t have to be hard if you set realistic goals. Here are some simple resolutions that can make a big difference. And once you achieve some goal-setting success, you may just kick-start your commitment to loftier goals!

• Ditch the diet. Many Canadians make losing weight their number one goal for the new year However, it’s usually  the resolution most likely to fail. So rather than focus on weight, why not start small with your commitments to health and fitness? Focus on your overall health — stay hydrated, eat more fruits and vegetables, and get in more steps by walking each day. Start with just 10 minutes a day, and in time, it will soon become a habit.
• Invest in your health. When was the last time you visited your doctor, dentist, and optometrist for a checkup? Pick up the phone and schedule your appointments today to stay on top of your health. And don’t forget your mental health. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness.

• It’s all about “me.” Between work, family commitments, and errands, schedule some much needed “me” time into your hectic life. Whether that means one hour every evening where you turn off electronics and limit screen time, or relish in activities you enjoy on the weekends – make it a priority to recharge and refresh.
• Put the “home” back in cooking. Make a commitment to make more homemade meals. Not only will you be more likely to eat healthier, but you’ll also save money! Set aside a few hours on the weekend to prepare a dinner and freeze them for the week. Then, when you get home from work on weeknights, all you need to do is heat them up.
• Enjoy yourself. We’ve all got a list of things we love to do, but don’t get around to doing, like reading, entertaining, travelling, and spending more time with the kids. Choose one thing you really enjoy and make some time for it each week.
• Kill ‘em with kindness. Have you ever walked away from someone and thought, “I should have told her that colour looks great on her.” Whether it’s your personal or work life, don’t be afraid to smile, tell someone they did a great job, or compliment them. It can lift your spirits (and theirs)! And, get involved in your community. There are so many opportunities to make a difference volunteering. Whether it’s time, money, clothing, toys, or furniture, there’s always a way you can help people in need.
• Save smartly. Another common resolution is taking charge of your finances. Put aside a manageable percentage of your income each month as savings. If you haven’t dipped into your new savings fund, then plan to take on larger goals next year.

• Get to your “I’ve been meaning to” pile. You know that long to-do list you’ve been meaning to get to, like filling out school forms, backing up your smartphone, organizing your photos, and responding to personal emails? Resolve to stay on top of your life. Look through your closets and if you haven’t worn clothing or shoes in more than one year, or you’re waiting to fit into that size four again, you may need to reconsider. Donate your unused items to a charity instead and take comfort knowing your items will be put to good use.
• Out with the expired food. Get rid of the ick by throwing out expired food from your pantry and fridge.
• Discover places close to home. You don’t have to wait until your cousins come to town to play tour guide. Get out and discover the city or town you live in. From attractions, parks, historical buildings, and restaurants, your beautiful Canadian town/city has a lot to offer.
• Get more zzz’s. Smartphones, tablets, and TVs — the glowing lights and text alerts can make it hard to get enough sleep at night. Aim for eight hours a night, but if you’re only getting 6, start by adding an extra 15 minutes and work your way up.

• Learn a new skill or hobby. Dial down the screen time and focus on self-improvement. Learning a new skill can open your world and empower you. Have you ever wanted to learn how to dance? Or have you been itching to start gardening? Learning a new skill or picking up a hobby doesn’t have to be expensive. There are lots of free online resources that you can use. And it’s never too late to learn something new!
• Be a helpful neighbour. It may seem obvious, but getting to know your neighbours can help you build connections and a comfortable, safe, and kind surrounding. Don’t be afraid to reach out and help shovel their snow, cut their grass or be on the lookout if your neighbour is away on vacation. Also, if you have a vulnerable neighbour, make sure you check in on them and offer to help run errands.
• Wear more hues glorious hues. How often do we find ourselves stuck in a black and grey rut when it comes to clothing? Resolve to don brighter colours. It doesn’t have to scream magenta, but it’s amazing what a little colour can do for your mood.

• Step up your morning game. Stop pressing the snooze button and set your alarm 10-15 minutes earlier to get a jump start on your day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and get caught up on the news. Feeling less rushed will set the pace for your day. And you may have a few more minutes to decide which bright colour of clothing to wear!
• Schedule an insurance checkup. When’s the last time you looked at your insurance policy? Does it still reflect your family’s changing needs? Lifestyle changes like the purchase of a second vehicle, renovations to your home, or a new teen driver in your household can impact your premiums. So make sure you review your policy regularly with your agent. Your agent can help you choose the right coverage and deductible(s) and help you find ways to save on your rates and ensure you’re properly protected.

Now that you have some realistic resolutions to choose from, here are a few quick tips to help keep you on track:

• Write your resolutions down and post them in a place where you’ll see them.
• Share them with a family member or friend (and vice versa) so you can help keep each other on track.
• Celebrate small victories.
• Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t stuck to all or some of your resolutions. Re-assess and see what’s doable.

The point of making resolutions is to set attainable goals and feel good about what you’ve accomplished – not to punish yourself. So here’s to ringing in the new year in good health and happiness, and to achieving realistic resolutions!

Did you make any resolutions for 2025? Let us know in the comments.