18 Top New Year’s Resolutions That Will Make 2023 The Best Year (Free Printables)

It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re thinking about what you want to accomplish in the coming year.

To help you get started, I’ve compiled a list of the top 18 New Year’s resolution ideas with helpful tips on making your resolutions a reality.

You will also find some funny quotations about New Year’s resolutions, memes, and those frequently asked questions about the topic. 

Whether you are looking for some inspiration or trying to find a way to improve your life, you are in the right place.

But first, let’s take a closer look at the meaning of New Year’s resolutions.

If you’re new to this site, brace yourself: Create Earn Live is a personal finance blog where I share everything I know about saving money and making money to improve your personal finance.

What Is A New Year’s Resolution?

Here is the definition I read in the Cambridge Dictionary, “a New Year’s resolution is a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year.”

This tradition is intended to be a time of reflection, renewal, and change. Essentially, it’s about creating a better version of yourself for the coming year.

New Year’s resolutions can be anything from losing weight to saving money or being more organized—whatever you want to improve upon in your life.

Best New Year’s Resolutions

1. Take Up A New Hobby

New Year is a great time to do something for yourself and make positive changes. And one of the most popular resolutions is to take up a new hobby. It can help you de-stress, relax, and even make money. 

Many people don’t know this, but it’s not only professional athletes who can make money from their hobbies. A dedicated hobbyist can also turn their passion into cash through the power of the internet.

If you want to be one of those people who live beyond paycheck to paycheck and maximize their free time, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing this year. All you need is motivation, time, and an internet connection. 

• Making jewelry  
• Cooking
• Baking 
• Flipping items (clothes, furniture, accessories, etc.)
• Hair styling 
• Tutoring 
• Knitting
• Selling handmade crafts
• Editing videos
• Making videos  
• Painting
• Handwriting

The list goes on and on. 

Taking up a new hobby can be life-changing, whether or not it becomes your profession. 

2. Exercise more

Exercise is good for you, plain and simple. It improves your physical and mental health, helps you lose weight, and makes you feel good about yourself—you know all these already.

But did you know that regular exercise can also make you rich? Having a high fitness level gives you the energy and time to work hard and succeed in your career, ultimately leading to better financial prospects.

Whether you want to take a Zumba class, dance in your living room, or sign up for yoga lessons, find something that works best for your schedule and level of commitment so that it becomes part of your routine.

3. Save More Money

Saving money is a pretty common resolution. And it makes sense—who doesn’t want to see their savings account grow and feel financially secure? 

But if you’ve already set up your own savings account, what kind of extra money should you be saving in there? The answer: any kind!

Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a wedding, retirement, or a home of your own, saving is one of the most important things you can do. Not only that—it’s also fun.

Whatever your savings goal is, consider it yours: make it happen.

Related Articles On Saving Money:

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• How I Saved Over $10,000 Quickly This Year
• How To Trick Yourself Into Saving $5,050
• 17 Simple Ways To Save $$$ On Rent (Try #5 To Save X Percent Of Your First Year’s Annual Rent)

4. Travel To Somewhere You’ve Never Been Before

How many times have you been in a foreign country, staring at the beautiful scenery around you and wishing there was some way to capture this moment forever? 

Make traveling to be one of your New Year’s resolutions. It is always an adventure and an opportunity for growth.

Not only do you get to see new places and explore different cultures, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and discover things about yourself: like how much you love riding camels in Egypt or how good it feels to take a walk on the beach at night in Thailand. 

Read more: How I Traveled The World On A Tight Budget, And You Can Too

5. Read More About Personal Finance

One of my favorite pieces of advice comes from Joseph Addison, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” 

It’s no secret that reading is an excellent way to learn new things and unwind. 

It’s also one of the most economical ways to improve your finances. Reading books about money and personal finance can help you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve financial freedom.

If this sounds like something you’d like to do more in 2023, here are some of my favorites to help you get the ball rolling. 

• I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
• The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J.Stanley and William D. Danko
• The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
• Your Money Or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
• Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By And Get Your Financial Life Together by Erin Lowry

It’s never too late to get into the habit of reading more books throughout the year.

6. Lose Weight

This is a classic New Year’s resolution that will benefit you for life physically and mentally. You will look better in that new party dress/suit and feel more energetic and attractive.

Plus, this goal helps you work towards other resolutions like eating healthily, exercising more, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.

However, losing weight isn’t always easy, but if you’re determined to shed some pounds this year, here are a few tips that will help:

Make small changes over time. Instead of drastically cutting calories, try making small changes like using smaller plates or drinking more water. You’ll be less likely to feel deprived and more likely to stick with these habits.

Be patient, and don’t weigh yourself every day (it won’t work).

Choose the health and fitness-related apps, gadgets, and programs that work for you.

Pin it for later!

7. Eat Healthier

This is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and for a good reason: when it comes down to it, eating better makes us feel better.

The key to eating well is to make good choices about what you eat and how much you eat at each meal (and snack). It’s easy to get off track with all the yummy treats around the holidays.

Cooking your own meals is one of the simplest ways to start eating healthier in 2023—and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are plenty of quick and cheap recipes out there that will help you cook like a pro.

If you don’t already have any cooking skills or recipes handy, this $5 Meal Plan makes it super easy by giving you recipes with easy-to-find ingredients packed with flavor. You’ll never get bored of these quick and healthy meals. 

Also read: How To Eat Healthier And Save $230+ On Your Grocery Basket Per Month 

8. Spend Less Time On Social Media

The New Year is a time for resolutions, and I have a great one for you: stop spending so much time on social media.

Social media is a blessing and a curse. It can connect you with people worldwide and keep you engaged, addicted, and coming back for more.

Whether scrolling through your Instagram feed or checking Facebook every few hours, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of constant updates and notifications. 

And while it’s easy to get sucked into this vortex of content, you might start to wonder: Does spending so much time on social media really make your life better?

Although they may be fun to use, these sites can take up a lot of your valuable time—time that could be spent doing something more productive.

You can’t change the fact that social media is a big part of your life. But you can make sure it doesn’t take over. Here are some tips to help you cut back:

1. Turn off push notifications.
2. Delete apps from your phone or at least hide them.
3. Set limits on how long you spend online.
4. Take breaks from social media throughout the day.

9. Cut Down On Alcohol

There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the New Year, but we all know that booze is one of the most popular. That’s fine; this resolution isn’t about not having any alcohol at all. It’s all about moderation.

You don’t have to quit cold turkey, but you could reduce your drinking for better health and finances. 

Aside from the fact that binge drinking is linked to many severe diseases like heart or liver diseases, it also puts a dent in your wallet. 

So how expensive is it?

Great question. 

Whether buying a box of craft beer each week or dropping $300 on dinner with drinks after work, you can easily find out how much money you spend on alcohol using this alcohol spending calculator. 

10. Quit Smoking 

The benefits of quitting smoking are both short-term and long-term. The American Lung Association describes the short-term benefits as “smoother breathing and fewer coughing spells” and less likely to get sick from secondhand smoke. 

In addition to that, you’ll also save thousands of dollars per year on cigarettes.

According to this article on worldpopulationreview.com, the average cost of a cigarette pack in the US is $ 8.00 this year. Say if you smoke at least a pack (20 cigarettes) a day, it will cost you at least $8 a day, $240 a month, and $2,920 a year.

Imagine what you will do with the additional cash.

Maybe you can use the stash for unexpected events or invest the extra bucks into an Acorns account. It’s a cool micro-investment app that rounds up purchases and invests the spare change.

So make 2023 the year you quit smoking for good!

11. Get Organized

Is your closet full of clothes you haven’t worn in ages? Does your fridge have three expired bottles of ketchup that you refuse to throw away because you never know when they might come in handy? Is your desk covered with papers and pens, some of which are still functional but most of which are not?

Perhaps it’s time to get organized.

You’ll be more productive, less stressed, and less likely to accidentally lose important things if you keep your life in order.

You can always start by clearing your closet, garage, and drawers. Then decide what items you would like to keep, toss, donate, or sell.

According to a Nielsen survey for eBay, the average US household has $3,100 worth of unused items, mainly clothing and electronics. What about you? Are you ready to calculate how much you can save around the house?

12. Be Grateful

• Do you enjoy your family, friends, and loved ones?
• Are you generally healthy?
• Are you lucky enough to have a job that pays the bills?

If so, then count your blessings and consider making “be grateful” one of your New Year’s resolutions. 

Showing gratitude is a time-honored tradition at the end of each year, and it will help your New Year be all it can be.

You’ll feel better about yourself and others around you if you’re constantly counting all the things in life that are going right—and besides, they’re free! There’s no cost to being grateful.

Sometimes we just need to remember what we have and how lucky we are to have it. Maybe it’s a warm cup of coffee on a cold day, your favorite book series, or even just a smile from someone on the street. 

Read on: 365 Witty Affirmations—Every Day For A Year

New Year’s Resolution Ideas For Work

There are countless New Year’s resolutions that can benefit your career, but here are some of my favorites.

13. Be More Productive

This is a resolution that many people have in mind as they approach the new year. 

When you set your mind to it, there are plenty of ways to boost your productivity at work. Here are some tips:

• Set goals—no matter how big or small they may seem—and track them as you go along.
• Prioritize your tasks in order of importance. Make sure the most important ones get done first.
• Make a to-do list before bed to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
• Break down large projects into smaller chunks so they don’t feel overwhelming or intimidating.
• Set a timer for each task.
• Schedule your time carefully, so you have time left for relaxation or leisure activities at the end of each day.
• Learn to delegate effectively and efficiently.
• Have the right tools for each job at hand.

14. Start A Side Hustle

If lifestyle creep has gotten the better of you or you spend more than what’s coming in each month, starting a side hustle could be what you need for 2023. 

A side hustle is any form of income you earn on top of a regular job or salary. It can be as simple as selling old books sitting on your bookshelf using Decluttr, delivering food from DoorDash, taking simple surveys online, or even walking a dog (for the US and CA) while the owner is at the office. 

The opportunity cost of not starting a side hustle is too great. Even if it’s just an extra $500-$1,000/month, that will make a big difference in how much money you have next year. 

Making some money in your spare time is flexible and doesn’t require much upfront investment or planning. You can start at any time, with little to no risk (like what I did with this blog), and they’re easier to maintain than starting a business from scratch. 

Remember, the goal is not being super wealthy; it’s about gaining financial independence and having financial freedom so that your life doesn’t revolve around making money just so that you’ll have enough to cover the monthly bills.

Also read: Best Jobs For The Early Risers

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15. Spend More Time With Family And Friends

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but spending quality time with people you love is one of the best ways to keep yourself happier and healthier.

When you make time in your busy schedule for your loved ones, relationships deepen, connections grow, and conversations become more meaningful.

After all, your family and friends are the ones who will be there through thick and thin. They’re the ones who will help you through bad days at work, celebrate your accomplishments, and support you through whatever life throws at you.

Spend more time with them this year. Maybe take a day or two off every month to see family members that live far away from you. Or perhaps make weekend plans (dinners, movies, trips, etc.) with your significant other. Meeting up with friends once a week sounds excellent as well.

16. Change Your Money Mindset

This new year is the perfect time to change your thoughts about money and start living on your terms.

Do you think you are terrible with money? Are you the type who pays their bills on time? Are you constantly paying off debt? Do you have a savings account? Do you often buy stuff that you don’t need? Do you live within your means and set aside money for emergencies?

The answers to these questions can help determine whether or not it’s time for an upgrade in your money mindset. 

While some people are lucky enough to be born with a healthy money mindset, others have it beaten into them by their parents. Most of us fall somewhere in between these two extremes.

There are many reasons why your money mindset might be holding you back from achieving financial success.

You may have been raised to believe that saving money is boring and that spending it is exciting. Or maybe you were taught that having debt is normal and necessary for anyone who wants to buy a new car or house.

The good news is that whatever your current financial situation is, there is always room for improvement. 

Also read: How To Manifest Money Your Way

17. Quit The Job You Hate

Quitting a job you hate is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. 

If you’re feeling trapped in a dead-end career, your work isn’t challenging or rewarding enough, or even if it’s not the right fit for your skillset, take action!

The best way to get out of a rut is by taking on new challenges and learning how to deal with them effectively. 

But before jumping ship and starting over, make sure you know how to quit your job professionally so that you don’t burn any bridges (or get stuck without references).

18. Get A Mentor

It’s common for work-related resolutions to involve career advancement.

And if you want to increase your chances of success, there’s no better way than finding someone who has been successful in this area and asking them for guidance.

Whether you’re a new college grad to the workforce or an established executive at the top of your field, mentors can advise you on everything from career goals and relationships to work-life balance, provide resources and connections, and offer encouragement and reassurance when things get tough.

You might be surprised at how easy it is to connect with mentors—and how much they’ll value the opportunity to share their knowledge with someone who wants it.

Your mentor doesn’t have to be someone with an impressive title or a book deal—they could be a senior co-worker who has been where you want to go and can give you insight into how they got there.

Funny New Year’s Resolution Quotes

If you are looking for funny New Year’s resolution quotes to share with your friends, here are some of the best and funniest ones that will make everyone laugh out loud.

How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

If you are wondering how to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, here are some great tips I used to keep my new year’s resolutions.

• Make a list of your resolutions and keep it somewhere visible. 
• Write down how you will achieve each resolution in plain language.
• Break it down into smaller, achievable steps.
• Don’t try to do too much at once.
• Ask for help if needed.
• Set a date to check in on your progress. Don’t forget to do this. 
• Find a way to reward yourself (like getting one of these budget-friendly gifts ) for making progress.

I have also found the video “How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution Ted Talk” from YouTube helpful.

Funny New Year’s Resolution Memes

FAQ

What Are The Most Popular Resolutions?

Here are the top 3 New Year’s resolutions for 2022 based on Statista’s Global Consumer Survey (source).

1. Exercise more (48%)
2. Eat healthier (44%)
3. Lose weight (41%)

The survey shows that taking care of their health is the most popular New Year’s resolution for 2022.

Should I Tell People About My New Year’s Resolution?

It depends. Some people feel comfortable telling people about their New Year’s resolutions, while others prefer to keep them private.

There is nothing wrong with making a resolution public—it can even be motivating. And by sharing your intentions with others who genuinely care about you, you increase the odds of success because they can help keep you accountable and support you as needed. If that’s what you like, by all means, share your plans with your friends and family.

But if your resolutions are more personal and you want to keep those particular resolutions under wraps for now. That’s perfectly fine. You can share them until later in the year when it becomes clear how much progress you’re making toward them.

Why Do New Year’s Resolutions Fail?

You’re not alone if you’ve ever failed at keeping a resolution. There are many possible reasons that New Year’s resolutions fail. You may have picked a goal that is too vague and committed to something unrealistic for your current situation, or perhaps there isn’t enough motivation.

If this might be the case, consider using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and setting smaller milestones toward achieving these larger ones.

Final Thoughts On New Year’s Resolutions

It’s been a lot of fun to put this list together for you.

No matter what goals you set for yourself this year—whether professionally or personally, I hope these ideas have inspired you to make positive changes in your life and will help you kick off 2023 with a bang.

As always, don’t forget to take it easy on yourself and be kind to yourself.

If you enjoyed this list of New Year’s resolution ideas, share it with a friend on your favorite social media platform so that they can start this year off right too. 

And if you like what I do here with this blog, follow Create Earn Live on Pinterest for more inspiration. 🙂