5 New Year Resolutions You Can Make to Help Others
Ahhhh the start of a new year. For a lot of people, it’s a good opportunity to hit the “reset” button and set intentions for ourselves. When it comes to new year's resolutions, most of our goals tend to be about improving ourselves, but if we could take one major thing from 2020, it’s that we have a calling to help others.
Resolve to Give Back More
Think about what’s important to you, and then make a plan to commit.
There are so many causes to care about and it’s easy to just hand over money when a friend is running a fundraiser, but what’s important to you? What speaks to you? The first step to giving in a meaningful way is to think about what resonates with you the most? Take some time to reflect on where you want to see change and you’ll be on your way to figuring out what you’re passionate about.
From there, think about how you can contribute. Use your voice, your time, or your wallet. Decide if you can commit to something monthly or just occasionally. Our post on how to give back in the long run can help you get started.
Resolve to Live a More Sustainable Life
Choosing to be more environmentally friendly can help decrease the demands of our planet and reduce waste. It also helps future generations to enjoy a livable world. It’s enticing to just declare that you’re going completely zero-waste, but the best resolutions work when you set attainable goals.
Commit to making one simple swap each month, like phasing out your single use products for reusable ones or learning about what items are actually recyclable in your community. As you make these small swaps, you’ll find it easier and easier to implement greater change in your life and help our planet in the long run.
Resolve to Cultivate Compassion
Something that’s incredibly easy to implement is to practice compassion. We all tend to judge in some form or another; it’s in our nature. But take a step back to think about the reasons behind someone’s actions or why they may think a certain way. Try to see the world through their eyes and see their perspective. Learn about their background. You may find that you understand them a little more when you take the time to listen.
If everybody sets this goal, it will create a kinder, more compassionate world for us to live in.
Resolve to Be a Good Neighbor
We’re not just talking about getting to know their names or saying hello to them on a regular basis, but learn about what’s going on in your community. It’s easy to see what’s needed when it’s staring at you, and you get the instant gratification of seeing change happen right before your eyes.
Is your neighbor’s grass getting unruly? Maybe they’re having trouble with their lawnmower. Does your elderly neighbor have a hard time bringing her trash to the curb for pickup? Offer to take her trash out when you do yours. Maybe someone’s regular babysitter fell through and they need help with a new recommendation.
Taking the time to get to know your neighbors can help open doors for everyone all around.
Resolve to Lifting Voices
We live in a world that’s loud, so it’s hard to hear everyone who has something actually worthwhile to say. Use your voice to help lift the voices of others. Use your social media to share helpful articles, music, movies, books, etc that help amplify the voices of those who could use more attention. Witness someone trying to get someone’s attention? Speak up to help them be heard. Is your friend having a hard time reaching a public official? Help by rallying friends to join in and make calls or write letters. We can use our voices to help others be loud and can help get the right people to listen.
What resolutions do you plan on making this year?