12 New Year’s Resolutions

When we checked in with the bonusprint staff to see what resolutions they had planned for 2021, they revealed a whole load of failed New Year’s resolutions from last year. From learning to play the guitar to reading the newspaper every day, there are so many we just can’t quite stick to.

So with New Year’s Eve just around the corner, we’ve pulled together a list of resolutions that we’ll actually be sticking to in 2021 – like getting outside more and taking on new creative projects. There are some pretty photogenic ideas in the list too (of course), so you can create a photo book of all the new memories you make along the way.

1. Explore your own city

Good New Year’s resolutions are the ones you look forward to starting, and what could be more fun than exploring your own neighbourhood? Whether it’s some historic buildings you’ve always wanted to find out more about, a local park you haven’t ventured into yet, or a walking trail you’d like to complete, exploring new places can lead to some amazing experiences. Draw up a list of all the cool, interesting and unexplored places in your city that you’d like to discover, and tick them off, one by one.

2. Make someone smile, every day

Little gestures really can go a long way. Try to make someone’s day as often as you can — it could be by simply helping a neighbour out with their shopping or having a laugh with a friend who needs cheering up. Why not keep doing those small things that make someone smile throughout the year and see what a difference it makes? 

3. Step out of your comfort zone

We don’t mean you have to take up skydiving or anything that drastic. But this year, you could try a hobby you’ve always been too nervous about, or even put yourself forward for things at work, like being the lead on presentations or speaking on Zoom conferences. Out of work, things like outdoor theatre and dance classes are a great place to start. It might seem scary at first, but it will be so rewarding in the end. 

4. Show loved ones how much they mean to you

Some of the best New Year’s resolutions are the tiny changes you make. And one of the easiest things to do is show your appreciation for your friends and family more. Showing your gratitude for all the amazing things they do is sure to give them a little boost. You could try sending little gifts once a month like a photo card or surprise them a spontaneous present after you’ve seen them. It’s sure to cheer anyone up!

5. Be more creative

Being creative lets us try out new ideas, and it can be a great way to unwind too. You can take up new craft projects with the kids or try painting or writing in your own downtime. Why not make a start on a new photo book too, and start experimenting with your design skills? And if you need some inspiration, we’ve got plenty of creative ideas right here. 

6. Connect with nature

As a lot of us are working so much more from home, it’s more important than ever to remember to step outside and have a walk around the neighbourhood. Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air is a great way to refresh your mind. You could set yourself a personal challenge, like walking 10,000 steps a day, which would definitely help you embrace the great outdoors. And, if you want to take on a new hobby outside, why not start planting your own fruit and veg? An early morning walk to the vegetable patch would definitely help blow the cobwebs away.

7. Spend time offline

We can all be guilty of spending a bit too much time on our phones, tablets and laptops. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours, why not shut down your computer, put away your smartphone and enjoy some offline time now and then? It’ll give you a break from work, and more time to immerse yourself in a good book or to appreciate what’s going on around you.

8. Broaden your tastes

From the food you eat to the music you listen to and the books you read, you can use 2021 as a year of discovery. If you’ve always been a picky eater, try something you’ve avoided for years. Love a certain style of music? Try switching things up and listening to some new artists. And if you’ve always stuck to the same genre of books, you might find a different kind of novel or style of writing that you love.

9. Take in some culture

Whether it’s visiting an art gallery or heading to a museum, taking trips to soak up some culture will do you a world of good. Why not aim for one new cultural experience every month, even if it’s just going to look at some historic landmarks or some famous street art? And if you’ve got little ones, you can take them to a museum or gallery on the weekend.

10. Spend more time on the things that matter most

It’s always tricky getting that work-life balance right, isn’t it? If you often find yourself getting stressed out with work and doing way more overtime than you’d like, how about making your top New Year’s resolution to simply spend some more time with friends and family? You could plan more days out together or just have some cosy nights in. Hanging with your friends and family in real life or online is a great way to relax and unwind from your work.

11. Give something back

If there’s a cause close to your heart, your resolution this year could be to raise money for it or become a volunteer. You could start volunteering at a homeless shelter, help out at an old people’s home or see how you could raise funds for a local animal rescue.

12. Take more photos

You’ll need a way to document all these new experiences, so why not broaden your photography skills? Spend 2021 snapping all of your favourite moments, and then at the end of the year, you’ll be able to create a fantastic photo book of all the memories you’ve captured, or some of our wall art with your favourite shots. We’ve got a great guide to help you get to grips with the photography basics. They’re easy to follow, so you’ll be taking pictures like a pro in no time.

We hope we’ve inspired you with some 2021 resolutions — that we’ll all be able to stick to! Enjoy all the new things you try, and don’t forget to capture everything on your camera. If you want to get creating with any of our photo products, then simply click the button below. 

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