13 New Year’s Resolutions You Don’t Have To Wait Until 2018 To Start

With a new year comes the promise of a lot of different things for a lot of different people. Hopes for a brighter future, a new career, a better love life, new adventures... it's the dawn of a new era. A time to start over. And, in the immortal words of one of my all-time favorite movies that I never forget to watch around this time of year, Vanilla Sky, "every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around." That's the sentiment of starting anew, and the beauty of celebrating new years. It's a chance to start over, the right way. So, whatever camp you fall in, come Jan. 1 you're likely starting to think about all the ways you're going to make your life better in 2018. But, why wait? Why not start planning a few new years resolutions that you can start right now?

Seriously, why wait to start living your best life when you can just as easily start right now? You don't have make any major life adjustments if you don't want to — baby stepping your way into your New Year's resolutions is always a good way to go about them. By easing into the new year and your resolutions, you won't shock your system.

So, that in mind, I'm here to help you set some of those positive intentions into motion with a few resolutions you can start right now. From getting your bucket list travel plans in motion to trading in some bad habits for good ones, it's all here. Happy new year, y'all.

1. Plan A Trip

They say you should spend your money on experiences and not things. Well, there's no time like the new year to plan to do just that, right? According to a recent study called The Power of Travel conducted by travel tour and adventure company Contiki, those who were surveyed said travel not only improved their education and employment status, it also motivated them to be more active in their local communities and more likely to set and achieve goals. So whether you make a bucket list of all the places you set one place in mind and plan it, this is the year to make your #travelgoals happen.

2. Clean House

There's no better feeling than coming home to a clean house. ...OK, OK, maybe there are a couple, but you know what I'm saying. The sense of happiness and contentment that comes with the dishes being put away, the bed being made, and the closet being organized is tough to beat. Some people are natural born organizers, and some people have natural-born organizers for a roommate — but whatever your situation may be, making a plan to make a tidy living space a way of life will greatly improve your overall happiness and well-being.

3. Go To Bed Earlier And Wake Up Earlier

Going to bed earlier and waking up earlier is one of those resolutions that seems so simple, and yet remains such a challenge. By changing these simple habits, however, you'd really be amazed by how much more productive and healthy you feel.

4. Try A New Hobby

Sure, you don't need an excuse to try something new, but if you're one of those people who's just super set their ways, this is as good a time as any to pick up a new hobby and stick with it in 2018.

5. Send Handwritten Notes

Yes, I'm fully aware we live in a digital age where everything is communicated via e-mail, text, direct message, etc. But honestly, nothing is more personal or meaningful than writing and receiving a handwritten note. So when everyone else is sending e-cards this holiday season, make this a resolution that you can start right away by sending a few analog messages to those who mean the most to you. A little personal touch can go a long way.

6. Organize Your Inbox

There are two types of people in this world: The zero inbox people and the not-zero inbox people. I definitely fall into the latter category when it comes to my email — one glance at my inbox, and you'll see hundreds, if not thousands of unanswered emails just waiting to be sorted through. It's not something I'm proud of. So, what better time than the present to not only clear out your inbox, but also make it a resolution to keep it that way all year long?

7. Establish Positive Spending Habits

It's easy to lose track of your finances over the holiday season. But, there's no time like the present to establish positive spending habits and make it a resolution to stick to in 2018.

8. Do Something Nice Everyday

Small acts of kindness go a long way. It can be as simple as opening a door for someone to volunteering at a local homeless shelter. This is just a lovely idea that you can start right away and continue all throughout the new year.

9. Sign Up To Volunteer

There are so many worthy organizations you can be apart of depending on your interests. From animal shelters to feeding the homeless, tons of organizations need volunteers. If you don't know where to start, check out the website VolunteerMatch that lists all of the available places to volunteer based on your location.

10. Take Your Idea To The Next Level

We all have ideas. Most of the time we don't act on any of them, though, and that's just a crying shame. So maybe this is your year to start that blog, write that book, launch that new career — whatever you've been thinking of doing. By setting your plan into action now, you can increase the odds of sticking it out and making it happen comes Jan. 1.

11. Declutter Your Wardrobe

One of the best things you can do for yourself this new year is free up some space in your closet and donate the clothes you no longer wear. By getting rid of a few things, you'd be surprised how much easier it is to get ready in the morning. Once you've properly decluttered, make it a resolution to keep it that way all year long.

12. Stretch Every Morning

There's nothing like a good stretch — it's beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. Even if you commit to five minutes of stretching every morning, you'll be better off for it.

13. Embrace Nature Often

One of the best things you can do for yourself in 2018 is embrace nature on a daily basis. Whether that means going for a walk in the park or a hike on your favorite trail, reconnecting with nature should absolutely be on your list of top priorities in 2018.