20 New Year’s Resolutions You Never Make But Should

Some New Year's resolutions just never get made. Either they're too boring, too daunting or you don't think about them because you're too busy setting weight-loss goals. But January 1 is a great chance to start fresh and dig deep into what you need for life.

Start by meeting with a certified financial planner. You try making a budget every year, hope to actually save for college or retirement or a home, but it never sticks. A financial planner can help you see your way to one or all of those long-term goals.

The first thing your financial planner will bring up is a will, especially if you have a family. So, you might as well make an appointment or find a helpful online service, and get started answering some of the questions. Make it a goal to have a will in your name by summer.

This year, instead of thinking only about the next 12 months, think about the next 60 months. Start sketching out your five-year plan: where you want to be and how you plan to get there. You don't have to do it all in one day, but set aside some time to make some real solid decisions. You can always change your path, but having a path is the way to start.

Now it's time to set a monthly budget to get the rest of your financial house in order. Find an online tool or smartphone app that will ask you the right questions to make sure you're putting enough toward your values and lifestyle. You'll also see if you need to make changes, create a side hustle or find a new line of work.

New Year's resolutions tend to focus on what's outside, but improving how things are on the inside is more fun and beneficial. This year, do more thinking, more problem-solving, more brain-teasing and improve your mental skills. Take a math class you didn't dare try or join a regular strategy game night. Find a robotics club or just open more books.

As we get older, we tend to see and talk to fewer people, even though we've had more years to gather up untold acquaintances. Reverse course and make it a point to meet new people this year. You might have gone slightly introverted over the years, but you've still got game. Slap on a name tag and trade cards, social media handles or phone numbers.

You don't have to sky dive. Really, it's OK to not ever go skydiving. But you do need to take risks regularly, whatever that means for you. Make a list of things that sound interesting but kind of take your breath away. Then start scheduling them in. For some, that means an aerial class, for others that could mean walking across a bridge or riding a Ferris wheel. It doesn't matter what you do; what matters is the adrenal boost and reminder of what it feels like to be thrilled.

No one will argue against the idea that we're living in more hostile and divided times. It's OK to challenge; in fact, argument is an important part of democracy and dialogue. But we can be mindful of how we speak to and treat others. Resolve to be more polite. That doesn't mean you have to stand down; it just means making sure you really are saying "please" and "thank you."

Setting boundaries, asking for what you want, not apologizing for taking up space: These are all qualities of assertive people. If you find yourself asking more than telling, apologizing more than explaining, feeling walked on instead of lifted up, you might benefit from finding techniques that will help you be more assertive. It's a worthy resolution, but it takes practice. It can absolutely be accomplished by the end of the year.

New Year's resolutions often demand some kind of change, but you can also resolve to appreciate what you have. Striving is good, going after what you want is, too. But the inevitable roadblocks are more endurable when you're in touch with all that you have to be happy about.

You don't have to go full minimalist, but a tidy space is more productive, peaceful and conducive to good work and life. So make an effort this year to be more tidy. Things don't have to be spotless, but clear off surfaces, organize clutter and make your bed every morning. It makes for a peaceful return in the evening. It also makes you more inclined to have friends over.

Reading is one of the best habits you can form in your life. It educates. It broadens your world. It feeds the mind in a way that helps you develop empathy. And it's good for the brain. It's hard to pick up a book when your smartphone is sitting there, waiting for you to engage it. But after you get started, you won't miss it. Read at least one book every month. If you are already a frequent reader, set a goal of one book a week.

We're in the Golden Age of TV for sure, and binging an entire season of a show is easy and hard to resist. But resist. The stories will always be there and it's fine if you miss the online discussions. This year needs to be about moving around, engaging with the outside, thinking and acting.

If you don't like how you look in the mirror, find a style that's right for you. And own it. Forget about office dress codes as much as you can. And don't get tied to outfit requirements for parties or weddings. Dress in a way that makes you feel good and don't look back.

If you're surrounded by clutter or go through the same thing every year searching for your kids' immunization records, the family passports or documents for tax season, this is the year you need to get organized. Gather up everything, stack similar things in piles, organize by month or year, and shred what you no longer need. Then put what you need in a fireproof lock box. After important paperwork is done, organize photos into albums. Then do the junk drawer. And the garage. Be ruthless about getting rid of stuff. It's true what they say: You won't miss it.

Pets are the best. They make you happier, protect your property, keep you active and help you meet others. You've been wanting to, so now is the time. Get thee to an animal shelter and bring home your new best friend.

There's no excuse for a grown man or woman to not know how to cook. TV shows, online videos, meal prep boxes and Instagram posts are easy ways to find inspiration. Reliance on restaurants is expensive, can be unhealthy and is time-consuming. Start with learning to do one simple meal, then add another and another. Things will soon get intuitive and faster, and you won't have to rely on processed foods or the delivery guy.

And while you're learning to cook, learn to do other things. Sew on buttons or hem a pair of pants. Change your car's oil or at least change the tire. Stop asking someone else to fix your computer: Google the problem and try troubleshooting it yourself. And for goodness' sake, take a look at your finances and stop having your partner manage all of that.

Letting go of a grudge can be freeing—and it doesn't mean you have to start liking the person, either. This year, figure out where the grudge came from and what you need to let it go. And let it go. Get professional help or ask a friend for support, if it's too heavy to do alone.

Going through life with fears that aren't clinical anxiety can also hold you back. This year, you can resolve to face them. First, make a list of what you fear and then come up with a plan for how to change the way you see them or what would make you feel safer when near them. Then follow through.

It's your year. Make the best of it.