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New Year Bucket List Ideas: 69 Great Resolutions To Try

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Want to create your own New Year Bucket List? 

If you’re like many people, you may be considering making some New Year’s resolutions to help you kick off the new year on the right foot.

But while it’s great to set goals for yourself, it can sometimes be tough to come up with ideas that are both feasible and meaningful.

That’s where a “bucket list” approach can come in handy.

Rather than focusing on specific goals, a bucket list is a list of experiences or activities you’d like to have or accomplish before you “kick the bucket.”

By creating a New Year’s resolution bucket list, you can set your sights on things that will make you happy and fulfilled, rather than just things you feel like you “should” do.

Plus, having a bucket list can help you stay motivated and inspired all year long.

So what kinds of things might you include on a New Year’s resolution bucket list?

That’s entirely up to you, of course!

To give you some inspiration, we have come up with over 60 awesome ideas to get you started! 

New year resolution bucket list

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What Is A New Year Resolution Bucket List?

You’ve had an amazing New Year’s Eve and now its time to focus on the year ahead – with some fun resolutions! 

A New Year Resolution Bucket List is a list of goals that you want to achieve in the upcoming year.

It is a fun and creative way to set achievable goals and track your progress throughout the year.

A New Year Resolution Bucket List can include anything from personal goals to professional goals.

It can include things like learning a new skill, traveling to a new place, or even starting a new business.

The list is entirely up to you, and it should be something that excites you and motivates you to achieve your goals.

Creating Your New Year Resolution Bucket List

New year bucket list

Setting goals for the New Year is a great way to start the year off on the right foot.

A New Year resolution bucket list is a fun and creative way to set goals for the upcoming year.

Here are a few tips to help you create your own New Year resolution bucket list.

Self-Reflection

Before you start creating your bucket list, take some time to reflect on the past year.

Think about what you accomplished, what you could have done better, and what you want to achieve in the upcoming year. Ask yourself questions like:

  • What are my strengths and weaknesses?
  • What do I want to learn or improve upon?
  • What are my passions and interests?
  • What are my long-term goals?

By reflecting on the past year, you can identify areas where you want to grow and set goals that align with your values and aspirations.

Goal Setting

Once you have completed your self-reflection, it’s time to start setting goals.

When setting goals, it’s important to make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Here are a few examples of SMART goals:

  • Learn a new language by taking a language course for 30 minutes every day for six months.
  • Run a 5K race by training three times a week for three months.
  • Save $5,000 for a down payment on a house by reducing expenses and increasing income over the next year.

By setting SMART goals, you can create a plan of action that will help you achieve your goals.

Prioritizing Goals

After setting your goals, it’s important to prioritize them.

You may have several goals, but it’s important to focus on the ones that are most important to you.

Here are a few tips for prioritizing your goals:

  • Identify the goals that align with your values and aspirations.
  • Determine which goals will have the most significant impact on your life.
  • Consider the time and resources required to achieve each goal.

By prioritizing your goals, you can focus your energy and resources on the goals that matter most to you.

Unique New Year Bucket List Ideas

If you’re looking for some unique New Year resolution bucket list ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some suggestions that you might find interesting and inspiring.

Travel Goals

See the world with these amazing travel ideas. 

Visit all seven continents

New year Bucket list ideas

This is a challenging but exciting goal that will take you to some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world.

Take a road trip across the country

Pack up your car and hit the open road.

This is a great way to explore your own country and see some amazing sights along the way.

Travel to a place you’ve never heard of

Do some research and find a place you’ve never heard of before. It could be a small town, a remote island, or a hidden gem in a big city. You never know what you might discover.

Learn a New Language Abroad

 Immerse yourself in a new culture by spending time in a country where you can learn a new language from native speaker

Stay in a Treehouse

Experience the magic of sleeping high in the treetops amidst nature’s serenity.

Visit Every National Park in the USA

This can be a really fun way to explore the country! 

Check out our National Park Bucket List to get all the details. 

Take a Cruise

 Explore the world’s oceans and seas by embarking on a cruise to various exotic destinations.

Volunteer Abroad

Give back to the world by volunteering your time and skills in a foreign country.

Trek to Machu Picchu

Challenge yourself with a trek to the awe-inspiring Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Safari Adventure

New year Bucket list ideas

Witness the incredible wildlife of Africa by going on a safari in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa.

Island Hopping

 Explore multiple islands in one trip, whether it’s the Greek Islands, the Caribbean, or the Maldives.

Visit the Seven Wonders of the World

 Cross off these iconic landmarks from your bucket list, from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

New year Bucket list ideas

Soar above picturesque landscapes in a hot air balloon for a unique perspective.

Travel the Silk Road

 Follow the ancient trade route that connected the East and West, experiencing diverse cultures along the way.

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

 Dive into the heart of the world’s largest tropical rainforest for a truly wild adventure.

Visit The Cherry Blossom Festival In Japan

New year Bucket list ideas

This is one of those must-see experiences that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. 

Attend a Cultural Festival

 Experience the vibrancy of local cultures by attending festivals like Diwali in India, Carnival in Brazil, or Oktoberfest in Germany.

Stay in an Overwater Bungalow

New year Bucket list ideas

Indulge in luxury by booking a stay in an overwater bungalow in destinations like Bora Bora or the Maldives.

Cross-Country Train Journey

Take a leisurely train journey across a continent, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia.

Hike to Everest Base Camp

New year Bucket list ideas

 Challenge yourself with a trek to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.

Set Foot on All 50 U.S. States

 Explore the diversity of the United States by visiting all 50 states, from Hawaii’s tropical paradise to Alaska’s rugged wilderness.

Personal Development Goals

Many of us have a goal to become a better person in the New Year but it can be gard to know what that means exactly. 

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Learn a new language

Learning a new language is a great way to challenge your brain and open up new opportunities for travel and communication.

Read a book every week

Bucket list New year resolutions

Reading is a great way to expand your knowledge and imagination. Set a goal to read a book every week and see how much you can learn and grow.

Take up a new hobby

Whether it’s painting, photography, or cooking, taking up a new hobby can be a fun and rewarding way to challenge yourself and learn new skills.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

 Incorporate daily mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Improve Time Management

 Enhance your productivity by mastering time management techniques and tools.

Learn a New Skill

 Choose a skill you’ve always wanted to acquire, whether it’s playing a musical instrument, coding, or cooking.

Improve Public Speaking

great New Year resolution ideas

Overcome your fear of public speaking and become a more confident and effective speaker.

Practice Gratitude 

Keep a gratitude journal to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.

Develop Effective Communication Skills

 Enhance your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in both personal and professional relationships.

Network and Build Relationships

Make an effort to expand your social circle and cultivate meaningful connections.

Embrace Failure

 Change your perspective on failure by seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Master Stress Management

Learn techniques to manage stress effectively, such as deep breathing exercises or yoga.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is a good new year resolution

 Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, including regular breaks and pampering activities.

Learn to Say No

Set boundaries and practice saying no to commitments that don’t align with your goals and values

Increase Emotional Intelligence

Work on understanding and managing your emotions better, as well as empathizing with others.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

 evelop a mindset that embraces challenges, sees effort as a path to mastery, and believes in continuous learning.

Reduce Screen Time

Limit your screen time and use technology mindfully to regain control over your time and attention.

Give Back to the Community

 Volunteer or engage in charitable activities to contribute positively to your community and develop empathy.

Health and Fitness Goals

Many of us mention getting healthy as an important New Year’s resolution, if this is you, here are some great ideas: 

Run a marathon

New Year Bucket List Ideas

Running a marathon is a challenging but achievable goal that will push you to your limits and help you get in great shape.

Here are some of the best marathons in the whole world to try! 

Try a new fitness class every month

Mix up your workout routine by trying a new fitness class every month. From yoga to kickboxing, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Eat a plant-based diet for a month

Challenge yourself to eat a plant-based diet for a month and see how it affects your health and energy levels.

Try as many new hikes as possible

There are so many amazing trails to check out so why not make it a goal to complete 1 or 2 every month? 

We have a whole hiking bucket list to start you off. 

Consistent Exercise Routine

Commit to a regular exercise routine that includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

Set Specific Fitness Goals

 Define clear and achievable fitness goals, whether it’s running a marathon, lifting a certain weight, or mastering a yoga pose.

Try a New Sport or Activity

 Step out of your comfort zone and explore a new sport or physical activity that interests you.

Increase Your Daily Steps

 Aim to increase your daily step count by walking more, whether it’s taking the stairs or going for regular walks.

Improve Your Flexibility

 Incorporate regular stretching and yoga sessions to improve flexibility and prevent injury.

Learn Healthy Eating Habits

 Focus on maintaining a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Make Hydration Goals

New Year Bucket List Ideas

 Make it a point to drink an adequate amount of water each day to stay hydrated and support your fitness efforts.

Get More Sleep

 Prioritize quality sleep to aid in muscle recovery and overall well-being.

Track Your Progress

New Year Bucket List Ideas

 Use fitness tracking apps or journals to monitor your workouts, nutrition, and progress toward your fitness goals.

Bodyweight Exercise Challenge

Take on a bodyweight exercise challenge like push-ups, planks, or squats to improve strength and endurance.

There are lots of them on Pinterest. 

Practice Mindful Eating

New Year Bucket List Ideas

 Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your food choices and savoring each bite, which can help prevent overeating.

Take Part In a Fun Run 

Whether it is a Color run or a run for your favorite charity, there is something fulfilling about running a race just for the fun of it! 

Financial Goals

Get your finances in check with these great financial resolutions: 

Get Financial Literate

New Year Bucket List Ideas

 Improve your financial knowledge and take steps to secure your financial future, such as budgeting and saving.

Save a certain amount of money

Set a specific savings goal for the year and find ways to cut back on expenses and increase your income to reach it.

Invest in stocks or real estate

Investing in stocks or real estate can be a great way to grow your wealth over time.

Start a side hustle

New Year Bucket List Ideas

Whether it’s selling handmade crafts on Etsy or offering freelance services on Fiverr, starting a side hustle can be a fun and profitable way to earn extra income.

Create a Budget

Establish a detailed budget that outlines your income, expenses, and savings goals.

You can use an app to stay on track – a popular on is You Need A Budget. 

Build An Emergency Fund

Build or replenish your emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and financial emergencies.

Reduce Debt

 Develop a plan to pay down high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, and work toward becoming debt-free.

Increase Savings

New Year Bucket List Ideas

Set a savings target for the year and regularly contribute to your savings accounts, such as a retirement fund, savings account, or investment portfolio.

Automate Savings

 Automate your savings by setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings or investment accounts.

Track Expenses

 Monitor your spending habits by tracking your expenses regularly to identify areas where you can cut back or save.

Negotiate Bills

 Review your monthly bills and negotiate lower rates for services such as cable, internet, and insurance.

You might be surprised with how much money you can save just by a simple phone call. 

Create a Will

 If you don’t already have one, create a will and establish an estate plan to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones.

Implementing Your New Year Resolution Bucket List

New year resolution bucket list

Congratulations on creating your New Year Resolution Bucket List!

Now it’s time to take action and turn those goals into reality.

Here are some tips to help you implement your resolutions successfully.

Staying Motivated

It’s easy to lose motivation when working towards long-term goals. To stay motivated, try these strategies:

  • Break your goals into smaller, achievable tasks
  • Celebrate your progress along the way
  • Keep a positive attitude and focus on the benefits of achieving your goals
  • Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you

Tracking Progress

Tracking your progress is essential to staying on track and achieving your goals. Here are some ways to track your progress:

  • Use a journal or planner to record your progress
  • Create a visual representation of your progress, such as a chart or graph
  • Set reminders to check in on your progress regularly
  • Celebrate your milestones and accomplishments along the way

Adjusting Goals

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our goals may need to be adjusted. Here are some tips for adjusting your goals:

  • Be flexible and open to change
  • Evaluate your progress regularly and adjust your goals accordingly
  • Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or obstacles – use them as opportunities to learn and grow
  • Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be

Remember, implementing your New Year Resolution Bucket List is a journey, not a destination. Stay committed, stay motivated, and stay focused on your goals. You’ve got this!

New Year Bucket List: Final Thoughts 

As you start to plan your resolutions and bucket list items, keep in mind that they should be personal and meaningful to you.

Don’t feel pressured to conform to what others are doing, or to set goals that don’t align with your values and interests.

So, go ahead and make that list, and start taking action towards your goals.

Remember, you have the power to create the life you want, and the new year is the perfect time to start fresh and make positive changes.

Good luck, and happy new year!