The start of a new year brings hope to anyone looking to make changes in their lives, from workout habits to new hobbies, but oftentimes New Year's Resolutions are left in January. For those who want to make small changes with big impacts, here's a few resolutions that you can easily keep.

1. Read the news every morning

Whether on your phone (get those CNN push notifications) or in print, reading the news every morning can help you better educate yourself about the world around you. This doesn't necessarily mean read the New York Times cover to cover, but maybe read the headline story and any others that catch your eye. Being knowledgable about current events is not only important for your cultural understanding, but it can also really come in handy in a lot of different scenarios.

2. Instead of a full-blown journal, keep a one-line journal

Every day, write one line's worth of what happened that day. It keeps tabs on your life in the long run while only taking 30 seconds each day.

3. Use a planner

And find one that works for you. Your life will be infinitely more organized, even if you are a firm believer in organized chaos (like I am).

4. Eat breakfast

It's the most important meal of the day after all! The best way to get into this habit is to have a handy on-the-go breakfast on hand. These Nature Valley Oatmeal Bars, for example, are clutch for snagging a meal before that 8am. And if you have a kitchen, plan at least one day a week where you can "splurge" and sit down for a breakfast you love--whether be eggs and bacon or a parfait.

5. Refrain from being overly judgmental

This resolution is one that my sister has had the past few years, and she's found herself much better off for it. A lot of our generation has decided that unnecessarily judging others has been deemed cool, but I've found that it's far too emotionally draining to muster up a text to my friends every time I see someone who's eccentric enough to warrant notice from someone other than myself. If this is something you do, this year, make your motto: to each their own.