New Year’s Resolutions are not only for quitting smoking or going to the gym.

The easiest resolutions to keep are those that inspire us. That is why positive and creative ideas that increase happiness and personal satisfaction are more likely to succeed. The start of the new year is a perfect time to set your goals but don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve them right away. After all, the best resolutions should last a lifetime.

RESOLVE TO CHECK OFF THAT BUCKET LIST

How often do you find yourself daydreaming about that trip to the Caribbean you want to take “someday”? Or read a book that walks you through the Sistine Chapel only to wonder what it smells like inside? Whether you want to travel across the world or drive a few hours away, resolve to satisfy your wanderlust.

Click here for 15 life-changing trip ideas, such as Moraine Lake, Banff National Park, Canada (above). The still, clear turquoise waters of Moraine Lake reflecting the towering scenery of Banff National Park make it one of those scenes you could sit and contemplate for hours—a truly special view of Earth’s natural beauty.

RESOLVE TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY

There’s a certain kind of satisfaction that comes from working with your hands. Both meditative and creative, it can also be a great stress-reliever. Understandably, our busy day-to-day schedules often take precedence which is why resolving to take this personal time is important for self-care.

Why not start by Downloading Eataly’s Guide to Hand-Made Pasta, complete with full instructions, types of pasta, and recommended tools. Ultimately, you’ll find that nothing tastes better than that which you’ve poured your heart into. Plus, who doesn’t love pasta?

RESOLVE TO GO BOLD

One thing you can count on when going bold is never being bored. When it comes to bold design, sometimes it’s hard to move outside of our comfort zones. Taking the leap into patterned interiors should be an extension of yourself: What’s your favorite color? Are you drawn to nature, symmetry, or just a little bit of chaos? Do you want to shock or awe? The answers to these questions are your first steps towards (carefully) planning your visual takeover.

Looking for some inspiration? Download 15 Pattern Design Ideas that prove going bold comes in all shapes and sizes.

RESOLVE TO SPREAD THE LOVE

In our global community, love comes in many languages. As our world continues shrinking, our partnerships with those around us grow. That’s why learning to say “I Love You” in every language will inspire us to give the gift of kindness.

Turn to your Japanese neighbor and say Ai shiteru!
[pronounced eye-shteh-roo]

Walk up to your Portuguese friend and shout Eu te amo!
[pronounced eh-uu tih AH-mo if they’re European Portuguese, eh-uu chih AH-mo if Brazilian Portuguese]

And if you’re spending any time on the planet Pandora (from the movie Avator), be sure to tell the Na’vi Nga yawne lu oer!
[pronounced ng-ah YOW-neh loo oh-ER]

Click here to download another 25 Ways to Say I Love You Around the World.

RESOLVE TO EXPAND YOUR MIND
(AND YOUR HORIZONS)

Whether driven by passion or curiosity, viewing art offers numerous health benefits. According to recent studies: Engaging with the visual arts can improve stress, memory, and empathy; visiting an art gallery can reduce stress in just 35 minutes; looking at art releases dopamine, causing people to experience joy; and visiting galleries can relieve mental exhaustion, similar to spending time in the outdoors. [source]

Therefore, resolving to engage with visual arts offers more than an opportunity to pass the time, it’s also good for your health. So start by downloading 19 Art Destinations in the U.S. to add to your art bucket list.

RESOLVE TO EAT AN APPLE A DAY

We all know “eating an apple a day takes the doctor away” but, more than anything, they’re delicious. They are also very versatile when used as an ingredient in cooking and baking.

If you’re resolving to unwind in the coming year, these 8 Recipes for Cooking with Apples (including a rundown of 30 types of apples to inspire you) will stimulate the senses and bring out your creative side. Not to mention bring joy to those you share them with.

RESOLVE TO TAKE A CHANCE

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but are too afraid? Sometimes fear is a healthy emotion. It can stop you from doing something crazy or can guide your intuition. Other times it’s a wall that needs to be scaled. Now’s the time to resolve to push past your fears and do that thing you’ve always dreamed about. In hindsight, you’ll likely find the fear was bigger than the act itself.

For example, how many times have you thought about getting a tattoo? The needle, the permanence, the expense: all things to reasonably be afraid of. But if you’ve designed that tattoo over and over again in your head then it may be time to take the plunge. For some inspiration, check out these 6 Tattoo Designs from tattoo artists around the world. If you’re lucky enough, they just might have an opening in their schedule.