Creating resolutions for the new year can be a fun process. Even if your only resolution is to invest in Invisalign because 47% of users experienced a boost in self-confidence, achieving your goals feels great. But if you want to add a little bit more substance to your goals for the new year, adding a few “do good” resolutions can be incredibly rewarding. Not sure where to start? Here are a few “do good” resolutions to consider going after in the new year.
Perform A Random Act of Kindness Every Day
Whether it’s holding the door open for someone when you go to buy groceries or giving someone a compliment on their most recent Instagram photo, committing to a single random act of kindness every day can seriously change your perspective. These little things might not seem like much to you, but to the person on the receiving end, one simple act of kindness can turn their entire day around. Maybe even their entire week. That friend whose selfie you complimented? He might be one of the two-thirds of men suffering from hair loss and really needed the boost of self-esteem. Performing random acts of kindness can change you, too. You just might find that the sun shines a little bit brighter and that you want to perform even more acts of kindness for the people in your life. This resolution could even lead to larger acts of kindness and involvement in your community if you’re really committed to it.
Learn About Needs in Your Community and Take Action
If your community has a deficiency in one area, make it a resolution to learn about that need and how you can help supplement it. Maybe your community is lacking in funds for a community theater program your kids are passionate about. If there’s a local organization raising funds for this program, make it a resolution to get involved and help save the programs your community needs but might not get enough funding for. Maybe there’s an issue you’re passionate about that’s plaguing your community and you want to ignite change. Make it a resolution to attend future town hall meetings and urge your local government to take action. You’d be surprised at just how effective small, community-based activism can be once you give it a try. And the best part is that you can rest easy with the knowledge that you’re helping your community heal and improve through your efforts.
Organize A Community Clean-Up Day
If you love your community, odds are you want it to look nice. What better way to give back to the community you love by helping to beautify it for everyone? This is an excellent project to take on for spring and fall when there’s more debris to clear away. Planting flowers and pruning trees in community spaces are both excellent activities to include in your clean-up initiative, too. The best part about organizing an event like this is that you’re bringing the entire community together in support of the place they live. You never know — members of your community might enjoy this event so much that it becomes an annual tradition.
Shop Local as Often as Possible
This is a pretty simple one, but it’s just as meaningful as being kind to your neighbors. Instead of buying from global ecommerce giants like Amazon, consider making a concerted effort to support small businesses in your community in the coming year. A purchase at a small, local business is directly supporting an individual or family in your community. These are likely people you know and care about. The more you support small businesses in your community, the longer they’ll be able to stay where they are and continue contributing to your neighborhood. And since almost 85% of a business’s customers like or work within a five-mile radius, it’s probably not a bad idea to take a few friends with you when you go on your next small business shopping trip.
Doing good isn’t always about solving the world’s biggest problems. Rather, doing good often begins with small acts of kindness that grow and blossom into larger events and movements. So while you’re making your resolutions for the new year, make sure you’re considering how you can do good.
Speak Your Mind