A new year brings about an energetic buzz. We make plans to do better, to be better and to transform our lives with resolutions and goals. It’s important to recognize where we are in our current journey of life and to practice self love, but it’s also healthy to have goals in place for the coming year.

 

Develop short- and long-term goals.

The new year is all about resolutions. When inspected further, resolutions are simply goals. Start by developing your big, overarching goals that you’d like to achieve throughout the year. This could be a total amount of money donated or raised for an organization. It could be an amount of volunteer hours you’d like to log. Then, break down how you’ll get to those goals. Small steps will help you achieve the big goals this year.

 

Write down your intentions.

Journaling every day can help you not only keep track of those goals, but also help you reflect during 2023. Track all of the altruistic things you completed during the year. Mark down your challenges and struggles. Reflect on what you’re thankful for each day. At the end of the year, you’ll be astonished at everything you’ve accomplished. Three-hundred-sixty-five days is a long time, and you may not realize the magnitude of your altruism until you see how each day adds up!

 

Learn how to meditate.

To help reset your mind and intentions throughout the year, learn how to meditate. Even a small amount of meditation can have huge health benefits and help you stay on track with your goals. Consider downloading a guided meditation app to get started on your journey.

 

Give back by donating.

If you’re able to give back to organizations this year, consider developing a giving plan. Setting up recurring donations is a great way to easily set your plans into motion with minimal effort after setting up the donation—think of it as a Netflix subscription but for good! In addition,  you can even develop your own fundraiser to help involve family and friends with an organization or cause that you love.

 

Volunteer your time.

One of the best ways to help make a difference that doesn’t cost a dime is volunteering your time! Do research to identify a cause or organization that you share a common interest with and consider lending a hand. You can call the organization to set up a time to learn more before you decide if the organization is a good fit for you. Plus, there are often many different types of volunteer opportunities, so ask about various options to find the area you care most about.

 

Consider unconventional altruism.

Giving back through volunteering and donations are both tried-and-true ways to do good in the world. There are also ways you can give back that are a little more unconventional. It’s time to think outside the box! Is there somebody you know who could use a helping hand? Are there random acts of kindness you’d like to perform? Maybe you’re excited about starting your own organization this year to fill a gap in the nonprofit world. Take the time to think outside of the normal altruistic activities to come up with something that works for you.

 

With a new year comes new opportunities to give back and do more good. Remember that there’s never a bad time to start giving back. Even if you fall off track, there’s always time to get back in the saddle. Together, we can make 2023 an unforgettable year of giving back.