16 Small Changes for a New Year, New You

It might seem as if finding time for friends is nearly impossible. But think again. By cutting out a few time-wasting activities—binge-watching TV, scrolling through Facebook—you'll find there's time to see those friends who make you feel happier and more joyful.

Committing to eating healthier doesn't mean giving up all the good stuff. It can be as simple as cutting out meat once a week or trying to reduce portions. You can have your cake and eat your broccoli, too.

Being noticeably kinder doesn't have to mean a big commitment to philanthropy or making a grand gesture or donation. By being kinder in your everyday life, your quality of life will improve without you having to make a drastic lifestyle change.

This is the year for you to come out of your shell by taking more risks socially, professionally and in your free time. You don't need to climb Mount Whitney. Taking more risks could be as simple as speaking up more at work or being a more equal partner at home. Go for it!

A new you can be as simple as you trying new things. Don't wait until you're close to kicking the bucket to knock things off that bucket list. It's a new year, so how about trying something new?

Everyone always says they want to connect more with their partner, children and friends. But when it comes time, we often don't know how. Being more connected can be as simple as listening more, working a bit less and not hopping on your phone the minute you get home. A little connection goes a long way—and everybody wins.

There isn't a person in the world who couldn't benefit from a little less tech. Sometimes you're better off living your best life rather than photographing it from afar. Likewise, it's OK to respond to texts later or catch up on sports and stats in a bit. A tech diet doesn't mean going off the grid. It just means enjoying what's happening in real time a little bit more.

Taking time out for yourself doesn't make you selfish—it just means you value things you like to enjoy in a way you like to enjoy them. Even if you just catch up on your favorite book for 15 minutes every day or take a short walk in the afternoon, taking time out for yourself doesn't have to be a major time suck. But it will make you feel better every time.

Part of becoming the new you means expanding your horizons and learning new things. You don't have to be good at it, you just have try. Say hello to knitting, surfing, cooking, salsa dancing or singing. You never know, the new you might like learning something new.

Making some changes to where you live can be as simple as experimenting with where the furniture goes or adding a fresh coat of paint to that room that always seems so dark. It doesn't have to be costly or drastic, but changing up your space can make you feel as if everything is new.

It's a new year and you want a new you, so why not go for a new look? A new haircut or some clothing updates don't have to break the bank, but they can make you feel ready to take on the new year in style.

It sounds so simple, but when you really think about it, when was the last time you had some good old-fashioned fun? If you have to spend too long thinking of the answer, you need to find more fun this coming year.

We often don't have to look far to find joy in our life. In fact, sometimes enjoying what you already have can start to feel new and fresh. In 2018, slow down and enjoy what's right in front of you before you go looking elsewhere for what you already have.

We all have fears that hold us back from becoming the person we want to be. A new year is the perfect time to address those fears and say goodbye to them. It could be communication or cooking. What's important is letting go of the fear of them.

If organization is not your thing and you waste a ton of time because your life is a mess, start the new year and the new you off right by taking some time to make a plan. When you can manage your time better, you'll get more done.

If finance isn't your thing, the new year is a great time to sit down and make a budget and a plan for how you'll stick to it. There's no downside to saving money—and you'll be so happy you did.