Tired of reusing the same old New Year’s resolutions that never stick? With 2026 right around the corner, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make this new year your best one yet.
Whether you’re looking to improve your health, try new things, or finally read that book (you know the one), New Year’s resolutions are a great way to kickstart good habits.
Unfortunately, resolutions often get a bad rap for having short lifespans. Ever notice how gyms get a lot quieter by mid-February?
Here’s the problem: resolutions can be fun to dream up, but they need to be relevant and well-planned if you want to get the most out of them.
Well, I’m here to help. I’ve compiled a collection of unique New Year’s resolutions that are both specific and interesting enough that you’ll actually follow through on them.
Here’s how to turn your resolutions into goals that you’ll want to conquer.
Making your resolutions SMART
One common way to write goals is in the SMART format. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound. This acronym simply means that you should be intentional with your goals and know how to track your progress on them.
For example, let’s rewrite the stereotypical New Year’s resolution of eating healthier into the SMART format. You can transform this vague motivation into a clear direction by adding in some metrics and timelines. A SMART version of this resolution would sound more like “I will eat at least one kind of vegetable with every meal from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.”
The clear criteria and defined evaluation date make this goal easier to follow. Simply “eating healthier” is too loose, which can lead to it quickly becoming overwhelming. Integrating vegetables into every meal is a very precise, concentrated effort that will still contribute to long-lasting improvements.
Now that we’ve gotten the technicalities out of the way, here are some resolutions to inspire you in your pursuit of greatness in 2026.
Fitness Resolutions
Alright, obviously, this is the most basic type of resolution that you’ll hear. However, that doesn’t mean that fitness goals can’t still be unique. There are plenty of aspects of health that are often overlooked. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning.
1. Learn to do a pull-up
Doing a pull-up is a huge accomplishment and good indicator of overall health. This goal is mostly about getting you into the gym and learning what your body is truly capable of! Watch this video for guidance on how to progress into a full pull-up.
2. Try a new form of exercise every month
Trying to get into working out but don’t know what type of exercise you like? This is the resolution for you! Take a different kind of fitness class each month to test the waters.
A great way to do this is by being a Class Pass or looking for free trials at different gym establishments. Check out your local park district, search for a nearby Orange Theory, yoga studios, and Cycle Bars for a good start.
3. Take one 20-minute walk every day
Everyone’s heard that we should be getting about 10,000 steps a day. BUT people often don’t consider the mindfulness benefits of getting out and taking a walk. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, on your lunch break, or right before bed, take a stroll outside and get some fresh air!
Nutrition Resolutions
1. Eat 30 grams of protein in every meal
Protein has been everywhere lately, which makes this goal all the more relevant. There are plenty of influencers and protein-packed products out there to help you out. Focus on eating more protein-rich staple foods such as cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and lean meats, and you’re halfway there!
2. Drink your body weight in ounces of water every day
This simple rule of thumb is a great way to ensure that you’re staying hydrated. Invest in a good water bottle and keep the sips coming! You’ll be reaping the benefits of better skin, energy levels, and digestion in no time.
3. Try cooking a new cuisine every month
Get creative and try out some new foods by cooking a meal from a different cuisine every month. You’ll expand your palate while simultaneously increasing your appreciation of other cultures!
Self-Care Resolutions
1. Clean out your camera roll
It’s time to FINALLY delete your old screenshots! Download an app such as SwipeWipe to turn your cleaning into a fun dating-app-esque game of swiping left and right. I’ve personally found that giving the camera roll a good once-over is a great activity to keep me occupied while walking on the treadmill.
2. No phone time starting one hour before bed
Detox that blue light and get better sleep! Allow yourself to naturally relax and get your Circadian rhythm back on track with this simple technology time limit.
3. Clean out your closet and curate a new wardrobe
This resolution is all about starting Spring Cleaning early. Donate your old clothes and start Pinteresting outfit inspo so you make less impulse purchases in the future.
4. Learn maintenance for your car
Yup, time to consult YouTube. Learn how to change a tire, check tire pressure, change wiper blades, refill your car’s fluids, and any other essential skills to ensure that you’re prepared in the face of an emergency. Believe me, this will come in handy later.
Relationship Resolutions
1. Call a more distant relative every two weeks
Whether it’s your grandparents or a cousin you don’t see very often, make an effort to catch up with them! Even if it’s not a call, a short text will likely make their day and remind them how much they mean to you.
2. Give out three compliments every day
What better way to brighten someone’s day and make new friends than by spreading kindness? This resolution is an amazing way to accumulate a ton of good karma. It will also get you out of your shell and more aware of those around you.
3. Plan a monthly outing with friends
Show your besties you care about them by organizing meaningful activities with them! Sometimes, it can be a nightmare to work around everyone’s schedules. Get around this problem by making plans far in advance.
Learning
1. Read 12 books (one book per month)
What a fun way to quantify the generic goal of reading more! Whether you want to pick out your book list in January or play it by ear, this is a great resolution if you’re looking to get out of a reading slump.
2. Invest in some stocks
Prepare for your future by learning about the stock market. There are several apps designed for beginners to get into investing with low stakes. Read up, and try it out for yourself!
3. Learn a new board/card game (and teach it to others)
Want to get off your phone and be more involved in social gatherings? Bring a game with you! I’ve had great success learning poker with my friends and playing it when we go out for dinner or drinks.
Feeling Inspired?
Hopefully, some of these sample resolutions got you excited for the new year. Whether you want to focus on fitness, nutrition, self-care, relationships, or learning, you’ll be sure to come out of 2026 feeling like a million bucks if you follow through with your resolutions!
Take the time to focus on what’s important to you when you choose what goals you hope to work towards in the new year. It’s okay if your results don’t look exactly like how you envisioned them – any progress is an achievement. Whatever happens, the most important thing is that you don’t quit!
Now get out there and start brainstorming what would really make you happy this coming year. Make your resolution and your own, and don’t let anyone tell you that your goals aren’t important. Remember, you owe yourself the time and care it takes to become the best version of yourself.
Happy 2026!
