Happy new year! Say goodbye to 2017 because 2018 is officially here. The celebrations have finished, and the new year has begun. Of course, what’s one favorite tradition that comes with every new year? New year’s resolutions!
New year’s resolutions are a great way to start the year off right on a good foot. Set goals, expectations and hopes for the next 365 days. Some resolutions revolve around family, some about personal development and even more often circle back to one’s own fitness regime. New year’s resolutions are a great way to focus your year on things other than yourself—to focus on living a more altruistic lifestyle and giving back to others. What are some new year’s resolutions that give back and are actually worth making? We have six ideas to start you off.
1. Spend more time with family.
This year, make an effort to spend more time with the people closest to you. Schedule out playdates, dinner times and adventures with your friends and family to be together. Having a hope to spend more time with family is wonderful, but actually making a plan to spend time together is the best way to make sure it gets done. Spending more time with your family builds a solid foundation of love and comradery for years to come.
2. Give blood.
Giving blood is a simple and effective way to live altruistically and support those around you. Whether you give to a community blood bank or a national chain is up to you, but giving ensures you can help others. Next time a blood drive is happening in your community in 2018, sign up on the list. Your single donation can help save up to three lives this year.
3. Become a mentor.
If you want to make a difference for the future, become a mentor for a child with a local nonprofit organization in your community. Mentor programs are the perfect way to build a relationship with a child in need and have a positive impact in his or her life. Check out what local or national programs are available and sign up to start working with a child for this semester, over the summer or the beginning of next school year.
4. Pay it forward.
Have you ever considered starting a pay it forward chain? Pay for someone’s coffee in line behind you at the store, or spend a little extra to help the next person buy their gas. This year, you can have a huge impact on a variety of people’s lives by taking little steps every day to live more altruistically. Give back to individuals around you by paying it forward.
5. Volunteer with a cause.
One of the best ways to start 2018 off on an altruistic foot is by volunteering with an organization or a cause you care about in the community. Nonprofits are always looking for new volunteers who can help support their valuable programs. Check out various causes near you and make a resolution to volunteer more habitually this year. Not only will you help others in your community, but you may be surprised to see just how much you get back personally as well.
6. Donate to those in need.
Finally, make 2018 the year of giving by having a resolution to donate to those in need near you. Whatever you can give can make a difference in the lives of others. Choose an organization or a cause that matters to you and donate to have a positive impact.
2018 has officially started, and it’s up to you how you want the year to go. Make altruistic resolutions that not only positively impact your life, but also the lives of others. Try out some of these ideas for 2018 resolutions that are worth making this year.
