20 Simple Things To Do Now That Will Make You Proud of Yourself In a Year

This post may contain affiliate links to some TERRIfic sites you should check out. Learn more about it here. 

Today you have the power to change your health, finances and the environment and still be proud in a year!

While many people are awaiting the coming of the holiday season, others are excitedly wrapping the end of their new year resolution challenges. The rest of you might be cringing as you realize that yet another year has come to a close and you still haven’t come close to accomplishing your goal. You are not alone. If you are one of the people in the latter thought camp, you’ve actually more company than you think. In fact,  only eight percent of people accomplish their resolutions according to Forbes magazine.

If you’re part of the 92 percent that didn’t accomplish the goal you set early this year you might just be wondering what you can do to turn things around for the following year. Of course, there’s probably one part of you that just wants to avoid the potential of disappointment completely by ditching the whole resolution idea. You can calm down because making yourself proud isn’t as difficult as you may think. There are several things you can do now that will make you feel proud and accomplished next year. The best part is most of them don’t cost much money, require little commitment and benefit yourself and those around you.

1. Ditch that cup of coffee.

Yes, it’s cliche but skipping the coffee really is the smart move to make. Not only does it keep more money in your bank account, but it kicks the addiction to caffeine. Hopefully, that will make room for an addiction for something good like endorphins from exercise.

2. Shop off season

Sure winter may be around the corner, but that’s no reason to stop you from buying that killer bathing suite that’s 75 percent off if you know you need one. It may not be used now, but you’ll be happy you purchased it at a steep discount once summer rolls around next year. Make it a point to shop off season whenever you can and you’ll never pay full price again.

3. Make the switch to LED

We all know that fluorescent lights are a no-no, but CFL bulbs aren’t exactly the best choice either. Instead, use LED bulbs.  At up to $10 per light bulb it may be a bit of an investment now, but you’ll be thrilled once you see your electricity bill drop.

4. Choose a cause you like and advocate for it.

Sure Breast Cancer Awareness month has passed and World Birth Defects day is some months away, but that doesn’t mean you completely missed the boat on supporting a cause. Think long and hard about a cause or ideal you feel passionate about and do everything you can to help it prosper. Wear the colors associated with the cause, give money to the organization, run a 5k in its honor, write a blog post about it, run a donation drive or simply tell your friends or family about it. Regardless of what you choose to do, you’ll be proud of yourself for selflessly dedicating yourself to something as you look back on the progress made.

5. Open a high yield savings account

If you’ve only got your money in a traditional bank you’re saving all wrong. With banks, you’re probably only making .0001 percent on your money. Why do that when you can make anywhere from 1.6% at online banks like Ally.com to 3.2% at your local credit union. Ditch the bank today, open a high yield account, and you’ll be patting yourself on the back when you see all the interest you’ve made in a year.

6. Cut cable

Even though I’m guilty of having it, I still believe there’s no need for cable anymore with so many other viable options. Cut the cord, sign up for Netflix or AmazonPrime and save some money. You’ll be happy you did later.

7. Start a family or friend tradition

I can’t be the only one who has conversations in the middle of spring with friends about lofty dreams about going away on vacation together during the summer. Of course, it never happens because we didn’t plan, save, organize, etc. Today is the perfect time to nip that in the bud and start a yearly tradition. It can be something as grand as traveling to Mexico on Cinco de Mayo or something small like painting your nails together every month. Whatever it is, you’ll proud that you were thinking ahead and well organized.

8. Plant something

You have the power to help the environment with your hands. Even if you are no good with pets or horrible with your hands, you’ll feel a sense of pride knowing that you are responsible for something naturally beautiful. Plus, if you choose to plant fruits or vegetables you’ll save on your grocery budget.

9. Write a letter to yourself

On a good day, write a letter to yourself listing all your accomplishments, talents, and traits. Then hid it somewhere in your home. Hopefully, you’ll find it later on when you need it most.

10. Get rid of the toxins

Yes, it seems that society is getting “all natural” obsessed but it’s for good reason. You never know what all those chemicals are doing to you and the environment. Swap out the toxic cleaning products, tooth pastes, etc as you can. You’ll suddenly feel a bit fresher once you do.

11. Stock up on cards

Nothing is more frustrating than going to an event and realizing last minute that you forgot to get a card. Of course, that means you end up stopping at the the closest store you can find and spending $6. If only you had remembered the card in advance you would’ve been able to save some money. It’s a predicament I used to find myself in all the time. That’s why I stock up on special occasion cards and blank cards whenever I have time. So if a birthday comes up unexpectedly I just head to my card stock pile and pick one thats appropriate. And if it’s something more unique, I simply take a blank card and write a personal message. Stocking up on cards is a huge time and money saver! You’ll be happy you did it throughout the year.

12. Make a sellers account on Zazzle.com

Since I’m actively trying to pay off my student debt, making money while I sleep is important to me. In fact, I’m big on doing something once and continuously getting paid for it. Luckily, my shop on Zazzle has been allowing me to do that with no sweat. Simply put your creative juices to work and post something for sale on the site and leave it alone. In some time you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank once you get to request payments from all the royalties earned on your merchandise.

13. Get hooked on the library.

Why pay for what you can get for free? Instead of purchasing magazines, books and movies get a library card and borrow them instead. Plus, you’ll have access to tons of great workshops and events at libraries.

14. Shop smile.amazon.com

Instead of using regular ole’ Amazon.com, make a switch to the donation portion. When you shop using smile.amazon.com .05% percent of your purchase prize will be donated to a charity of your choosing. Just log into your Amazon again, select your favorite charity and smile as you shop knowing you are helping those who need you most. That’s definitely something to be proud off.

15. Update your Linkedin profile

Whether or not you are looking for a job, your Linkedin profile needs to be on point. Long gone are the days, when getting a job depended on faxing your resume. You need an online presence. Let your best side shine on your Linkedin profile today and reap the benefits in the year to come.

16. Unsubscribe to email newsletters

It’s never fun to open your inbox and see over 2,000 unread emails. I know because it’s the story of my life. What makes it worse is that it’s mostly junk mail… junk mail that I signed up for. Free your mind and inbox, but taking sometime to unsubscribe to those

17. Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad

If you are struggling financially and think of your current situation as poor, you need this book. Now’s the time to read this and change the way you look at money. It will truly improve your financial outlook. You’ll thank me in a year once you finally realize you need to stop working for money, but make the money work for you.

18. Sign up for cash back sites

Friends don’t let friends shop without earning cash back. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be getting rewarded for your shopping trips. Signup for cash back sites and apps like Receipt Hog, Receipt Pal, Swagbucks, Mypoints, Ebates, or Upromise.

19. Hide the remote

Yes, you read that right. Hide the remote to the television. It will be annoying at first but you’ll be patting yourself on the back when you realize the few extra calories your burn from having to get off the couch more. And don’t even think about getting a remote app on your phone!

20. Sign up for meetup.com

I don’t care how busy or popular you may be. Everyone loves and needs companionship. Sign up for meetup.com to get alerts on groups with likeminded individual and then go mingle. The human interaction and possibility of new relationships just might make your heart smile.

One positive change can lead to a ripple affect of others. Let today be the first positive change that helps your reap the benefits of many more to come. Make the investment today and you’ll surely be proud of yourself tomorrow and in the year to come.

What small things have you done that ended up making you proud in a big way?

TERRIfic Quip: Do something today, that will make you want to thank yourself in the future.