The year is coming to a close and it’s time to pick your New Year’s Resolutions! In addition to the typical resolutions I thought it would be neat to try some crazier concepts. No matter what you choose, stick with and make 2017 an amazing year.
1. Hold the doors open on your way to class
Let’s be real, this is not something that consistently happens, but it could be. Take the extra few seconds to make someone else’s life easier. You get to be kind and happy and the person who walks through the door will feel special. Smile big and make their day brighter.
2. Fast from social media one day each week
3. Skip out on your premium coffee twice a week
Instead of grabbing that venti double-shot mocha latte (I have no idea if that’s an actual drink…), put the money toward supporting a child in a poor part of the world. I’ve been blessed to support two kids through Compassion International and have found that organization to be amazing at building stronger communities in poorer parts of the world. If supporting a kid isn’t your thing, consider giving the money to your church or a local organization.
4. Mentor a kid in the community
Many kids in the area could use support from you! This one requires two of your most valuable resources—your time and attention. I recommend being a Big Brother or Big Sister, but there are lots of great ways to get involved in the lives of underprivileged kids. A small amount of time on your part can have exponential results.
5. Watch one documentary each month
Did you know Netflix, Amazon Video, etc. have a wide variety of documentaries ready for streaming? If you’re already paying for the service, you can easily invest into yourself by learning more about a special topic.
6. Write three encouraging notes each week
It only takes a few kind words to make someone’s day amazing. Spend a few minutes three times a week to craft and encouraging comment to your boss, parent, friend, or anyone you care about. You don’t have to get fancy; you only need to be kind.
7. Don’t use “good” as your response to “how are you?”
We all do this. We pick the generic term no matter how we’re truly feeling. For the next year, try avoiding “good” as your response and replace it with a concise but accurate portrayal of your mood. Few people want to hear the entire story, but many want to see what you need emotionally. Show that you care about the interaction by creating a personal connection.
8. Avoid chain restaurants and eat local
Wichita has a lot to offer! As much as you love Chick-fil-A, try to find locally owned restaurants and support them instead.
9. Listen to a podcast each week
There are thousands upon thousands of options, so all you need to do it open the app and start listening. Podcasts range from 15 minutes to an hour typically. Some of my favorite podcasts are “Building a Story Brand With Donald Miller”, “99% Invisible”, “No Such Thing As a Fish”, and “Sounds Good with Branden Harvey”.
10. Have a positive tone on social media
Don’t waste time on complaining. Spend the next year focusing on being positive in your posting. If you feel you need to post something but don’t know what, pictures of puppies are always good.
11. Attend fine arts performance regularly
Go see a play or live band. The opportunities are endless and the only thing holding you back from going is a lack of want-to. At WSU, students get in free to all the fine arts performances.
12. Take a photo in every building on campus
Have you been in every building at WSU? Create a fun memory by taking a selfie in every building. Who knows, maybe you can turn it into a scrapbook one day.
13. Go on a road trip every month
Pick a weekend and go somewhere else. Kansas has a lot of neat spots or you can venture beyond the state boundaries. Driving for a few hours creates lasting memories, so take some friends and make it an experience you won’t forget.
14. Read the newspaper three times a week
This might seem old fashioned, but it can be one of best ways to learn about the state of our city, nation, and world. On the Wichita State campus, students can grab a copy of the Wichita Eagle, New York Times, and USA Today for free.
15. Perform two random acts of kindness every week
Sometimes you can make someone’s day by paying for their lunch or throwing away their trash after lunch. Be intentional about making someone else’s day better.
16. Visit the public library twice a month (at least)
I love the local library here in Wichita. They have a great selection and there are branches all over the city. Spend some time exploring the many aisles and get your own library card if you don’t already have one. It’s completely free.
17. Provide a “life update” to your parents every month
This one is free as well, but it takes time and patience. After you’re grown up and not as reliant on your parents, it can mean so much for your parents to feel in the loop about what you’re up to in life.
18. Pick up loose change
Remember that time you walked past that dime? I do, and you should have picked it up! Resolve to collect the loose change you see and at the end of the year, give that money away to a local charity.
19. Use coupons whenever possible
If you shop at all, odds are there’s a coupon for one of the items you’re purchasing. Be frugal and use these nifty money savers as much as you can. Your bank account will thank you.
20. Write a short story every month
Creative writing might not typically be your thing, so try writing one story each month. Keep it real or develop an imaginary land. Whatever you choose as your theme, follow through and finish the story.
21. Watch a TED Talk every day
There are hundreds of TED Talks on YouTube and the TED website. These short presentations vary in topic, but all of them are given by passionate people. My favorite TED Talk is about the worst designed thing you’ve never noticed.
22. Host a movie or game night every month
Make your house or apartment the place to be. If you live in the dorms, throw a movie party in a shared space. Ask your friends to bring snacks and games and have a blast.
23. Discover a new band to listen to each week
New music is everywhere. Look for something different each week and expose your ears to the beauty held in each song.
24. Clean out one box of junk every month
We all have the clutter and miscellaneous items we keep for no apparent reason. This year, try cleaning out one box a month. Get rid of the items you no longer want and move the other pieces to permanent spots.
25. Donate 10 pieces of clothing to a thrift store each month
The needs are great and so is your amount of clothing. Find a group that you can donate items to each month. 10 items is a good starting point, but I bet you can find even more.
26. Give your cashier a fist bump
These people perform a monotonous task for several hours at a time. Try and make their day more enjoyable by fist bumping them every time you go through the checkout. They might be shocked at first, but I’m guessing they’ll catch on.
27. Visit a museum/landmark every other week
Immerse yourself in the rich history that exists where you live. Discover the hidden gems and explore new places. Adventure is out there.
