Over making the same old New Year’s resolutions? Us too.
So, instead we asked around the office for some alternative resolutions that you might just have a chance of keeping.
Break a record
It could be a personal fitness record, or one of the many kooky official world records, such as most M&Ms eaten in one minute, blindfolded using chopsticks (currently 20) or most T-shirts put on in one minute (currently 31)*. You may even discover a hidden talent.
Visit new places
If you love travelling abroad, set yourself a target to visit 5 new cities in the next 12 months. Or, if your budget won’t stretch that far, make the UK your playground and visit some of the thousands of beautiful spots right on your doorstep.
Either way, your social posts will be a lot more interesting this year.
Go tech-free
Remember when we weren’t all stuck to our phones 24/7? It was good to talk! Whether it’s a day each month or a few hours here and there, switch off the electronic devices and interact with your fellow human beings the old-fashioned way.
Hand-write a letter to your future-self
Outline your hopes, aspirations and goals for the coming year to your future self. Then when you open it at the end of that year, you can either whoop with joyous celebration of how much you’ve achieved, or have a good laugh at yourself.
New Year – new foods
Stuck in a culinary rut? Don’t diet, try expanding your range instead and experience new foods you’ve never tried, or opt to go vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian for a time, which should encourage you to explore a whole new range of recipes.
If you’re hopelessly hooked on meat, try some more exotic delicacies like python, camel or springbok, all available online.
Do something that scares you
Being out of your comfort zone is both harrowing and exhilarating. So, whether it’s talking to a stranger at the bus stop or jumping off the top diving board, challenge yourself once a month. You’ll be stronger in mind and body.
Get to know your grandparents
If you’re lucky enough to still have living grandparents, make this the year you really get to know them. You’ll be amazed what you can learn about your family tree.
Random acts of kindness
Making someone else’s day can be a real tonic, so aim to do something nice for someone you don’t know whenever you get the opportunity.
There are thousands of little ways you can make a difference, from a well-placed ‘good morning’, to being extra nice to other drivers on your morning commute, or even paying for the person behind you in the coffee queue.
Make your money work harder
If you have spare cash or savings sitting in low-interest accounts, why not make this the year to explore other ways to grow your money? Find out how much it might be worth in an Investment ISA or regular investment plan with Wealthify’s investment calculator.
*World record figures sourced from www.guinnessworldrecords.com and were correct at time of writing.
Wealthify does not provide financial advice. Please seek financial advice if you are unsure about investing.
Please remember the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you could get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Your tax treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, and it may be subject to change in the future.