As people create New Year’s resolutions, they often focus on diets and exercise alone. But there are plenty of other types of resolutions as well.
In celebration of another year and everything to come throughout 2026, here are some New Year’s resolutions to consider, which you may have never thought of before.
Be kind to strangers. Without question, it’s easy to be nice to people you know, especially friends, family, and Beacon Hill residents that have become your friends and family. But what about strangers? Focus intently on being kind to everyone you come across in 2026. You never know what kind of impact you’ll have!
Easy habits are key. Don’t be like most people whose New Year’s resolutions are too lofty, leading them to give up after a couple weeks. Instead, focus on a resolution that’s easier to actually achieve. Perhaps you want to drink water every night before you go to bed. Or maybe you want to walk for 10 minutes after lunch. Whatever your resolution is, strive to be consistent!
Enjoy an old hobby again. Is there a hobby that you used to love, but haven’t enjoyed in years? If you’re physically able to, start relishing it yet again this year. You may discover that you’re even more passionate about it now than you were before.
Explore entirely new areas or businesses. Whether you choose to do so weekly or monthly, strive to visit new areas in Grand Rapids that you’ve never been to. Perhaps you can focus entirely on new restaurants one month—and then new parks, stores, and so forth another month? You may be surprised by what you discover!
Get back to the “good ol’ days.” Remember when you used to write out letters and send them to people in the mail? 2026 would be a great year to rediscover this old habit! Don’t just text or call people this year; rather, surprise them with handwritten letters. You might create a new tradition!
Learn a new language. Yes, you may not travel to France, Germany, or Spain anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn French, German, or Spanish! Challenge yourself, exercise your mind, and increase your self-confidence. Perhaps a Beacon Hill resident will learn a new language alongside you, too?
Learn new technology. Make no mistake about it. It can be challenging to learn new technology. However, it’s all about your mindset. Rather than approaching such knowledge with a headache, embrace the challenge instead! Enjoy the fact that you can continue to learn, just as you discovered new skills when you were a kid.
Meet younger friends. Let’s face it. Most, if not all, of your friends are in your age group. What if you change that this year? Leave your comfort zone a bit and form friendships with younger people. Pass on your wisdom and life lessons to them. Don’t forget to listen to them as well. You just might learn from them too, after all!
Sleep better—not more. Typically, people focus on sleeping more often, rather than sleeping more soundly. You don’t necessarily need more sleep. Instead, you need better quality sleep, leading to more energy throughout the day. Conduct some experiments and learn what helps you sleep better, from drinking tea, to taking baths, to savoring foot soakers before you go to bed.
Teach new topics or skills to others. Generally, people focus on learning new skills for a New Year’s resolution. But why not do even more than that? What about learning a new skill, and then teaching it to someone else, whether they’re a Beacon Hill resident, a friend, or a family member? This will lead to more accountability on your part!
By implementing some of these New Year’s resolutions, 2026 may be remembered as one of your favorite years yet. Here’s to another year—full of fun, health, knowledge, and new adventures!
