We are officially in the swing of a new year, and I am sure many resolutions have already been made. If you are like most people, your New Year’s resolution is probably focused on yourself, and that is not a bad thing. It is important to prioritize ourselves and, more importantly, our health.

But this year, I want to challenge you to make two New Year’s resolutions.

Make one that benefits you, and make one that benefits others.

Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.

Set aside one night a week for family.

As we get older and move into different stages of life, it is easy to fall into a routine or even a funk and convince ourselves that we do not have time for family. But your family is your biggest support system. They love you unconditionally and are often the ones who are there for you no matter what. Make the time. Those moments matter more than we realize.

Prioritize saying “thank you” or “I appreciate you.”

This can be something small, like thanking a server when you are out to eat or acknowledging someone who holds the door for you. But it can also be something bigger. Call someone who has played an important role in your life, past or present. Maybe it is someone who helped you through a tough season or someone whose presence simply makes you better. Let them know you are grateful. Those words can mean more than you think.

Put the phone down.

This is something I talk about often, but it is worth repeating. Be in the moment. Give the people around you the respect of your full attention. Do not be on your phone and only half-present. Dive in with the people you are with. It will not only improve your experience but also make others enjoy being around you more.

Apologize and make things right.

This one is tough, but arguments and distance are rarely worth holding onto. If you cannot even remember why you are not getting along with someone, it is probably time to let it go. Make the call. Send the text. Say, “I am sorry for what happened between us. Can we make it right?”

Be a life giver, not a life taker.

I stole this from Pastor Tim, but it is truly one of the best things he has ever said. Be someone who gives people life.

Be the kind of person others are thankful to be around. Someone who lifts people up and makes them better simply by being present.

Do not be the person who is always negative, constantly stresses people out, or is quick to bring others down. Life is heavy enough without us adding to it.

Instead, be your friends’, families’, and even strangers’ biggest fan. Encourage them. Support them. Speak belief into their lives.
Root for people to succeed, not to fail.

You never know how much impact your words, attitude, and presence can have on someone. Choose to be someone who brings life wherever you go.

As we move into this new year, let us not just focus on becoming better for ourselves, but also on becoming better for the people around us. Sometimes the smallest acts of intention and gratitude can make the biggest impact.

Here is to a year of growth, connection, and appreciation.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:2