It’s estimated over 40% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, however only around 8% actually succeed. I’m one of the 92% who usually don’t. I’ve made numerous resolutions over the years including most of the common ones, such as losing weight, exercising more, saving more and eating healthier. 

 

One year I resolved to clean up my language to try to be a better role model for my kids. Every time I swore a quarter would go in the jar. The problem was I never had any quarters on me, so it ended up being a whole lot of IOUs. 

 

This year I’ve decided to take a different approach to my New Year’s resolutions. I realized most of my past resolutions have been centered around myself. What if I centered them around others instead? Would I be more likely to succeed? Would I be more motivated?

 

Studies have proven helping others is healthy both physically and emotionally. It not only helps a person to feel happier, it can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve feelings of guilt, raise self-esteem and help a person to become more optimistic. 

 

Studies have also shown the person who gives kindness actually receives more of a positive boost to their feelings than the recipient does.

 

Random acts of kindness, in particular, can add meaning to your life. There’s an incredible amount of satisfaction in doing something for others and not expecting anything in return. 

 

It doesn’t have to be big things. Start small. Let someone with fewer items move in front of you while waiting in line at the store. Wave a car ahead of you instead of trying to cut them off. Pick a flower to give to a stranger. Smile and say hello to people instead of avoiding eye contact.

 

It might not seem like a big deal to you, but to the other person it can mean everything. You never know what someone may be going through, a seemingly small act of kindness could make a huge difference in someone’s life at a time they need it most.

 

Random acts of kindness can also inspire others to be kind. When someone does something for you it causes you to feel good. When a random element is added it increases the feeling of pleasure, causing you to want to share that feeling with others. Imagine the domino affect one small act could create.

 

I really like the idea of making my New Year’s resolutions centered around others and I’m challenging everyone to do the same.

 

If you don’t already volunteer your time to help an individual or organization that needs it, try doing so in 2018. If you truly can’t donate your time right now, donate money or supplies.

 

If you’ve never performed random acts of kindness before, resolve to start. No matter how busy you are you can find a minute or two once a day. Watch it start to snowball. 

 

You may think you don’t have much to offer, but it’s the act of giving itself that’s important. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.

 

Although I’m making these resolutions with others in mind, I have a feeling they’re going to benefit me more in the long run than all my other resolutions combined. I challenge all of you to make a resolution to be kind. At the very least it will not only help others, it will help you to be a happier person.

 

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Each act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams