Ideas for New Year’s resolutions

Shelby Kramer

It’s about the time of year again when people start making lists of goals or things to accomplish during the next year. More often than not these plans go down the shitter within the first couple months of the year. Regardless, here are some interesting ideas of what you can do in the big 2015.

Learn something you never did when you were younger

Be it learning to speak Spanish, figuring out how to write cursive, parallel-parking or learning to swim, try and find something you’ve wanted to learn, but haven’t yet. There’s no need for it to be a super intimidating goal like becoming an astronaut or saving the lions, so keep it realistic and fun.

Try a new food once a week

This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to prepare a new food every week, but just get out there and buy something weird from the grocery store. Pickled oysters, Nutella, tube cheese, Jimmy Dean Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick, those cappuccino-flavored potato chips, whatever you may find that sounds like an adventure. Of course, you can always try a new recipe. Whatever tickles your pickle.

Do something nice every day

Make it your goal to go out of your way to help somebody or do a nice thing. Most resolutions are about a singular person bettering him or herself, but this one is dual-purpose as it helps others. Try and make someone’s day by complimenting them or sharing some food, or get more serious and donate blood or volunteer for an organization.

Give up a “bad” habit

This “giving up an addiction” resolution is already pretty popular, but it often refers to things like smoking or eating fast food too much. Other bad habits exist like constantly being late or chewing your fingernails. The bad habit doesn’t have to be severe, just try and work towards bettering yourself by lessening or quitting it.

Pick up a “good” habit

This resolution is very general, but has a lot of potential. Try and start doing things that have benefits, like clipping coupons or saving leftovers. You can even go so far as to start carpooling or taking a bike to class. Big or small, changing your life a little bit can make a difference.