The new year is almost here, and it’s time to ask that question – what is your resolution? Do you want to get into shape? Run a marathon? Eat healthier? Talk to your mom more often? Use your phone less?

We have compiled a list of the most commonly used – and broken – resolutions and some alternatives you might consider instead (and keep).

1. Get in shape and lose weight

What you say you’re going to do: This is probably the one people hear most often. “I am finally going to lose those extra 10 pounds this year and get into shape” – and then it never happens.

What you should try: Take it slow – it’s hard to do a complete 180 with fitness in your life. Tell yourself that you’re going to eat one piece of fruit a day as a way to eat healthier and take a walk around your neighborhood two nights a week. Once you get used to that, step up your game and increase the number of walks per week or incorporate another healthy food in your life.

2. Travel to New Places

What you say you’re going to do: Travel is a common pleasure for many people – the problem is that it is so expensive, and often, when people say they want to travel to new places, they mean somewhere exotic and outside of the country.

What you should try: Travel doesn’t have to be expensive. Yes, if you have the time and money, take a trip around the world! But if you are on a tight budget or don’t have many vacation days, go on a smaller vacation. Take a long weekend to a city you have never been to or visit that friend who you always said you’re going to visit. It can be as simple as driving across your state to visit someplace new or taking a weekend getaway at the lake.

3. Learn Something New

What you say you’re going to do: When many people think of learning, they think they need to go back to school and take classes. But it doesn’t have to be that much of a time commitment or expense.

What you should try: Pick up a book from the local library. Attend a free seminar at the local college. Surf the internet. There are tons of places to learn new things that don’t cost an arm and a leg.

4. Volunteer

What you say you’re going to do: You say you are going to volunteer every week at the local homeless shelter or spend time at the animal shelter caring for the pets. But often times you don’t get motivated or you don’t have enough time.

What you should try: Schedule a volunteer effort once every 3 months – and then if you like it or find you have more time, donate more time. You can also coordinate a food drive, either where you work or within your neighborhood. Get your friends and coworkers to donate a canned food item or a toothbrush, and then take those items to the local food bank. They appreciate every little thing they can get, and it makes a world of difference for the less fortunate.

5. Enjoy Life

What you say you’re going to do: You don’t need to live a high and expensive life to love the one you live. Many people think they need to spend a lot of money to do lavish things to enjoy themselves, but this is far from the truth.

What you should try: Enjoy the simple, everyday moments in your life. Make time to meet up with that busy friend who you always say you will meet up with, but never do. Take your niece, nephew, cousin or neighbor for ice cream on a hot summer day. Watch your favorite movie with your loved ones, try a new restaurant or read a new book in your backyard. It is all about finding joy in the simple things in life.

We hope you take these ideas and have success with them! We wish you the best of luck, and a very happy new year from The Event Group!