Five New Year's Resolutions You'll Actually Keep

How many times have you defiantly declared "I'm going to lose weight in the new year!" only to abandon that pricey gym membership before winter's even over?

Don't feel bad. We've all been there.

Here's why we don't stick to new year's resolutions: they're not any fun. The key to sticking with your resolution is to choose to do something that will enrich your life, not spoil your year because it's a nagging chore. In other words, your heart needs to be in it!

Now, if your heart really is set on losing weight, great! Things are always easier to accomplish when we truly desire them. But, for most of us, that may mean we need to resolve to add something positive to our lives instead of depriving ourselves of what we enjoy for twelve months.

Here are a few to get you started:

1. Watch one new (or new-to-you) movie a week.

With streaming services cheaper than ever, it's never been easier to cue up that movie you missed during the pandemic. Plus, many apps have free movies! So, pop your own popcorn (theaters overcharge for their snacks anyway), grab a cozy blanket, and set aside one night a week to be Movie Night!

2. Read (at least) one book a month.

According to Forbes, up to a million books are published every year. This year, it'll be one million and one books when I release Spaghetti Friendship: A Reunion in Rome (hopefully in the fall). But seriously! Lots of people have stories to tell... go read 'em.

3. Try a new local restaurant each week (or month, if you're on a budget).

This one not only is a tasty treat for you, but it supports your local community. And don't forget about carry-out and curbside options if dining in isn't possible at the moment.

4. Learn a new hobby and practice every day.

Playing a musical instrument, cooking, or learning a new language are all great ways to enrich your life. I began learning to speak Italian last summer, and have stuck with it ever since. No, I'm not fluent (far from it still... there's still a lot that makes me say "Non capisco!"), but it's an engaging challenge that I enjoy. New hobbies make life fun!

5. Travel or explore a new place every month.

Traveling is, in a word, tricky these days. But exploring, even on a local level, is a blast! Hike through a nearby national park, drive to a nearby lake, or visit a local museum. There's so much culture surrounding us even in our own towns. Don't let it slip by-- go out and discover it!

What new year's resolutions will you be making this year? Share in the comments!

Laura Botten is a voice actor and producer who is currently working on her first book Spaghetti Friendship: A Reunion in Rome. Get a FREE "Taste of Italy" when you sign up for her monthly newsletter here.

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