Resolution season is upon us. Come Jan. 1, people will make various commitments to better themselves in the year ahead. And while there’s no need to wait until the start of a new year to make a change or start toward a goal, it’s as good a time as any.
If you’re thinking of making a New Year’s resolution but aren’t quite sure what, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, you’re amazing as is, and nothing about you needs to be fixed. Second, huge changes don’t tend to stick, and trying to change or start too many things at once is a surefire way to fail. When setting a resolution, it’s often best to focus on playing to your strengths instead of homing in on your weaknesses.
To help jump-start your resolution brainstorming, we’ve come up with the perfect realistic New Year’s resolution for every zodiac sign. Each one plays to the unique traits and strengths of each sign and is a great way to make your life a little brighter in 2019 without being totally overwhelming.
Aries (March 21 – April 19): Volunteer weekly
As an Aries, you’re a born leader and will accomplish pretty much anything you put your mind to. You’re likely plenty driven to succeed at work; this year, channel some of that drive toward community service. Pick an organization that’s cause is in line with your own interests — cooking meals for underserved communities, mentoring young girls or boys, helping to care for abandoned animals — and commit to a regular weekly (or as often as is realistic for you) volunteer shift.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Establish a morning routine
You’re hardworking, but you sometimes have a hard time sticking to a schedule and finding daily motivation. This year, come up with a morning routine that works for you and will set the tone for your day. Maybe you want to wake up and meditate for 10 minutes or so; maybe you hate meditating and would rather do 15 minutes of stretching or go for a walk. Follow that with coffee and a sit-down breakfast, and try reading a newspaper instead of scrolling through your phone. By the time you leave the house to start your day, you’ll be in the right mindset to tackle the day.
Gemini (May 21 – June 21): Set a budget & stick to it
You’re charismatic, emotionally intelligent and always the life of the party. This serves you well in social situations and also makes it easy for you to advance and excel at work. One thing that may have slipped through the cracks? Sticking to a budget. Since you’re optimistic and imaginative, your motto when it comes to money is probably something along the lines of, “Eh, it’ll all work out!” In 2019, set an actual budget for yourself — try an app like Mint or YNAB (you need a budget) — and get a tangible handle on your financial situation.
Cancer (June 22 – July 22): Travel more
As a cancer, you’re thoughtful, loyal and tend to stick to what you know. While there’s nothing wrong with gravitating toward people and situations you’re most comfortable with, it can sometimes lead to a little bit of a rut. In 2019, commit to traveling more in order to force yourself beyond your comfort zone. If a big, expensive trip isn’t in your budget, plan a few weekends away at a national park or in a new-to-you city that’s within driving distance.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Spend more time on the phone with faraway friends & family
Leos are outgoing and love to make new friends but aren’t always so great about putting time into more established relationships that are no longer fresh and exciting. In 2019, make it a habit to call your parents or an old friend at least once a week. And really listen to what they have to say — don’t just nod along when they’re telling you what’s new in their life.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Spend one day a week away from social media
As a Virgo, you’re committed to living a beautiful, organized and picture-perfect life. This can be a great motivator to succeed and get things done, but the perfectionism will drive you crazy if you let it. In 2019, designate one day a week when you won’t look at or post to any social media accounts. It’s OK that you want everything in your life to look put-together, but too much focus on appearances will drive you crazy.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Clean up your house, & keep it that way
Since Libras tend to put others before themselves, you may not spend a ton of time keeping your house or apartment in order. Sure, the clutter on your table and clothes living in piles around your room may not seem to matter, but you’ll probably feel better if you spend a few days figuring out some storage solutions and organization systems that’ll minimize mess. Invest in a really great dresser or wardrobe for your bedroom and some fun shelving for common areas, and commit to actually putting things away after you’re done using them.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): Get comfortable talking about your feelings
You’re not afraid to argue or stand up for yourself in uncomfortable situations, so why is it that you’re so afraid to express or discuss your feelings? This year, push yourself out of your comfort zone and make an effort to start confiding in friends or a therapist during emotional times. You don’t need to get all touchy-feely with acquaintances or broadcast your innermost thoughts in large groups, but finding a few trustworthy confidantes who you feel comfortable sharing with can really ease the emotional burden of being human.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Join a sports league or a book club
Most of the time, your fierce independence and self-reliance is a great thing. You tend to get what you want at work through hard work, and you’re totally comfortable doing things on your own. But don’t forget that doing things with others can be really rewarding too. There’s no need to compromise your independence, but joining a weekly sports league or book club is a great way to reap the benefits of teamwork and varied perspectives.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Do something that scares you once a month
You’re smart, dedicated and love being in control of things. All these traits make you a steady, reliable, dependable friend and partner but sometimes hold you back from taking risks. In 2019, commit to trying new things that might scare you a little bit. Each month, take a risk. That can mean whatever you want it to; take on a project at work that excites you but isn’t a surefire success; ask someone on a date even if they might say no; learn to scuba dive, train for a race or apply for the dream job that’s always seemed out of reach.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Journal once a day
A deep and imaginative thinker, you’re committed to helping others but also need plenty of time alone recharge. In 2019, resolve to start a journal (if you don’t already keep one) and write an entry every single day. Some days you might only write a single sentence. Other days, you’ll find you have so much more to say. Either way, taking the time to reflect each day will serve as your much-needed alone time and will play to your strength of being able to look at things objectively.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Get more comfortable saying no
Your easygoing and empathetic nature is a mostly a positive trait in relationships; you’re kind and comforting, and your friends and family love that about you. But you’re sometimes a little too willing to go with the flow. In 2019, work on being a little bit more assertive and prioritizing what you want. Start small, by saying no to invitations or projects that you’re not interested in and/or don’t have the bandwidth for.
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