50 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Teens

This post: 50 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Teens They Can Actually Keep / Updated December 2023

There’s not a teenager out there who’s 100% content with every aspect of their life. That’s why when the new year rolls around, it’s the perfect time to make a few positive, uplifting changes to start the year off right.

Most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by mid-February because they’re either too overwhelming or they’re simply not specific enough.

But, our “bite-sized” (totally achievable) resolutions are perfect for teenagers who want to make a few positive changes in their lives without turning their life upside down.

Sure, eating healthier, getting fit, and doing better in school made the list, but we also included a whole slew of other doable resolutions to help your teen live a happier life, nix negativity and approach the New Year with more positivity and enthusiasm. Whether they choose one, five, or ten, there are bound to be a few resolutions here to inspire them! Check out our 50 realistic New Year’s resolutions for teens they can actually keep. 

50 Realistic New Year’s Resolutions for Teens They Can Actually Keep

#1 Start Taking Better Care of Your Skin

Most teenagers know, pimples and acne aren’t merely skin deep. It can impact their self-esteem, social life, and even their emotional well-being. Kickstart the new year with a simple skincare routine. (Heads up, no matter how tired you are, you have to wash your face before you go to bed.)

#2 Swap Out Soda for Water (Even Some of the Time)

According to the FDA, we’re supposed to keep our sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day. Yet, the top sugary sodas trump that in just one serving. Red Bull has 29 grams of sugar, Coke has 39 grams and Mountain Dew has a whopping 46 grams of sugar in every serving. Do yourself a huge favor by swapping out the soda and giving your body what it really needs – WATER.

#3 Eat at Least One Serving of Fruit and Veggies Every Day

I know french fries taste way better than veggies, but fruit and vegetables have tons of important phytochemicals that help “fight” to protect your health. Plus, they’re a natural source of energy which is exactly what you need to keep you going. So, instead of grabbing a handful of cookies, grab a handful of grapes.

#4 Ditch at Least One Junk Food

This is one of those realistic New Year’s resolutions for teens that can really have a huge impact on your teen’s health! Maybe it’s Cheetos, maybe it’s candy bars or maybe it’s greasy hamburgers with fries – make a vow this year to ditch (at least) one junk food and replace it with something healthier.

#5 Be Nicer to Your Sister/Brother

No one in the world (other than your parents) knows you better than your siblings. Make a resolution to nurture those relationships. Take your little brother or sister out for lunch, or ask your older brother or sister for advice. Take time to build a relationship that will last a lifetime.

#6 Vow to Never (Ever) Text and Drive

Most teenagers fess up to texting and driving at least on occasion, but all it takes is one time for tragedy to strike. Make a promise to yourself this year to never (ever) text and drive. It’s simply not worth the risk.

#7 Reach Out to a Friend You Lost Contact With

Friends have a tendency to come and go. But, chances are, there’s one friend that you wish you’d stayed in contact with. Go ahead. Make the call, drop them a text, and ask if they want to hang out. (And, no it’s not weird – they’ll probably love it.)

#8 Clean Your Bedroom

You might be surprised how awesome it feels to have a clean bedroom where everything has a place. Set aside one day and dive into getting rid of clutter, organizing, and creating a bedroom you’ll actually be proud of. (Your mom will be so happy.)

#9 Now that Your Bedroom is Clean – Keep it Clean

Now that you’ve put a ton of effort into deep cleaning your bedroom, keep it clean. Little things like hanging up clothes on the floor, putting dirty clothes in the hamper (not next to it), and taking cups, bowls, plates, and spoons back to the kitchen every day will keep it (at least somewhat) tidy.

#10 Start a Work-Out Routine with a Friend

Whether you want to drop a few unwanted pounds or you simply want to get stronger and fitter, it won’t happen unless you commit to it. To give you the extra motivation you need, make a plan to work out with a friend. Not only will it be more fun, but your buddy will hold you accountable which means better results for you both!

#11 Break ONE Crummy Habit

Maybe you scrolled too much this year. Maybe you had too many excuses to avoid working out. Or, maybe you blamed your parents for everything that went wrong in your life this year. Whatever that crummy “habit” is, stop making excuses, stop blaming others, stop waiting for the perfect time, and just break it once and for all.

#12 Quit Vaping 

You know it’s bad for you. You know the nicotine is wreaking havoc on your health. Take control of your health. If you need help kicking the habit, reach out to your parents or your family doctor. (You can do this!)

#13 Get More Dang Sleep

If you had to literally drag yourself out of bed every morning this year, there’s a good chance you’re skimping on sleep. Start the new year off right with a healthy sleep schedule so you can wake up feeling energized and refreshed – imagine that!

#14 Vow to Improve Your GPA

Rather than becoming completely overwhelmed with the idea of “improving your grades,” break it down into smaller goals.

• Study one hour a day
• Create a study group in each of your classes
• Buy (or download) a student planner to help keep you organized

#15 Take a 24-Hour Break from Social Media Every Month

As much as you enjoy keeping up with what your friends and acquaintances and seeing what exes are doing, wouldn’t you rather be spending that time doing something that brings you happiness? Give yourself a 24-hour break from social media every month and use that time to do something for yourself.

#16 Do Something Nice for Yourself Once a Week

Between school, homework, your job, extracurricular activities, volunteering, prepping for college, and family obligations, there’s little time left for you. Put yourself as a priority this year by vowing to do one nice thing for yourself every single week – even if it’s small.

#17 Try Something New – Anything

Maybe you want to take up a hobby, take a challenging hike, or go on an adventure with friends. Stop putting it off and just do it – there will never be a perfect time.

#18 Start Keeping “Done” Lists

Did you know that 41% of items on your to-do lists never get done? Experts say the better thing to do is to jot down all your wins, achievements, and small tasks that you accomplished throughout the day. Sounds counterproductive? Not really! Keeping a “done” list can boost your energy, make you feel good about yourself, and make you more productive!

#19 Learn How to Cook Your Favorite Recipe

You can’t rely on your mama to cook every meal for you. Besides, you’re growing up and soon enough you’ll be off to college and living on your own. Plan an afternoon in the kitchen with your mom and have her show you how to make your favorite recipe. When you’re in your own apartment one day you’ll be glad you did!

#20 Organize Your Closet

If your closet is stuffed to the gills and you can’t fit one more sweatshirt on the shelf, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Ditch all the stuff you never use and wear, buy a couple of closet organizers, and get your closet organized once and for all.

#21 Vow to Say “Thank You” More Often to Your Parents

When was the last time you said “thank you” to your mom or dad? Trust me on this one – they need to hear you say it.

#22 Lower Your Daily Sugar Intake

Grabbing a plateful of Oreos after school or plowing down a few sugary candy bars every week is all too tempting. But those sugary treats aren’t doing your health any favors. Lowering your sugar intake can help with acne, regulate your moods, and help keep your weight in check.

#23 Learn One New Word a Week

You may not care too much right now, but when you venture off to college and into the real world, a robust vocabulary holds the power to set you apart from the rest.

#24 Start a Mental Health Journal

Journaling does more than help you record memories, it’s good for your mental health. Putting the pen to paper can help you reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall emotional health. So, get writing!

#25 Accomplish Something You’ve Been Putting Off

Make a commitment to yourself to get rid of things in your life that are weighing you down – emotionally, that is. Even if it’s one thing you’ve been putting off because it’s too much work, boring or you just don’t see the point – get it done and move on.

#26 Swear Less

If you’re dropping the “F” bomb just a little too much these days, vow to scale it back a notch (or do away with it altogether). You’ll sound more mature, more in control, and a whole lot classier.

#27 Improve Your Social Skills

Not only can you benefit from having a few social skills under your belt now, but your future success in life largely depends on how well you harness those skills as you move into adulthood. Need a few tips? Here are 10 social skills you need to master.

#28 Prioritize Doing Things That Make You Happy

How many times did you put your happiness on the back burner this year? Prioritize your happiness this year by finding little ways to bring a smile to your face.

#29 Pay Someone a Compliment Every Day

You might be surprised to see how good it actually feels to brighten someone else’s day. So, go ahead. Compliment someone on their hair, their “smarts” or their smile – uplifting others will uplift you. 

#30 Put Your Phone Away When You’re Studying

Did you know that the mere presence of your phone can reduce your focus and concentration? If you want to improve your grades this year, put your phone in another room when you’re studying.

#31 Forgive Someone Who Hurt You This Past Year

Don’t carry around excess baggage this year. Pick one person in your life who disappointed or hurt you and forgive them. Follow Elsa’s sound words of advice and “let it go.”

#32 Put Your Phone Down 30 Minutes Before You Go to Bed

Give your mind a chance to rest by turning off your phone at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. You’ll fall asleep quicker and set yourself up for a more restful night’s sleep.

#33 Do One Thing That Will Make You Proud of Yourself

Whether it’s landing an “A” on a big test, passing your driver’s test, making the tennis team, or learning how to make a cake, do something that makes you proud of YOU.

#34 Make a Commitment to Get Outside Every Day

Nearly everyone has spent a little too much time indoors this past year. Make a solid commitment to soak up as much mood-boosting sunshine as possible by getting outside every day.

#35 Become the Friend You’d Like to Have

Having friends who love you starts by being a friend who is loved. Make a vow to be the friend you’d love to have.

#36 Volunteer Once a Month

This year, make a difference in someone’s life by giving the most precious gift of all – your time.

#37 Make a New Friend

You have so much to gain and nothing to lose by expanding your social circle. So, go ahead. Talk to the kid behind you in math class, the boy who sits alone in the cafeteria, or the girl who sits with you on the bus.

#38 Read at Least One Book a Quarter that Interests You

Instead of diving into a book you have to read, why not dive into a great book you want to read? Make a list of four books you want to read this year and then stick to your guns and read them.

#39 Get a Part-Time Job and Start Saving for College

You’d be surprised how much money you can make over the summer or even over winter break. Get yourself a part-time job and start chipping away at those college costs.

#40 Plan a Fun Date with Your Girlfriend/Boyfriend Once a Month

It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to plan an exciting date with your girlfriend or boyfriend, just a little imagination! Get creative and show ‘em how much you care by planning a fun date once a month.

#41 Breathe and Count to Ten Before Saying Anything Nasty to Anyone

The next you’re about to say something you might regret, take a deep breath, count to ten, and think about what you’re saying. You’ll be surprised how this one New Year’s resolution can change your life for the better.

#42 Make a List of Colleges You’d Like to Attend

College is just around the corner and now is a great time to start thinking about what you want out of college. Feeling clueless? Here are 12 factors to consider.

#43 Floss Every Day (Okay… Every Other Day)

The funny thing about teeth is that if you don’t take care of them, they will go away. Even if you’re doing a pretty good job of brushing every day, step it up and make a promise to yourself to floss every day.

#44 Promise Yourself You’ll Talk to the Girl/Boy You’re Crushing On

You’ve been eyeing them from across the classroom for months and you haven’t mustered up the courage to talk to them. No more procrastinating… walk up to the guy or girl you’re crushing on and strike up a conversation.

#45 Write Down Your Goals and Look at Them Every Day

A Harvard study found that people who wrote down their goals (or New Year’s resolutions) were 65% more likely to attain those goals than those who didn’t. Bottom line, if you want to make a positive change in your life this year, write it down.

#47 Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone on Instagram

Stop comparing yourself to others. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. If that means you need to stop scrolling, then do it.

#48 Write a Letter to Your Future Self

What are your hopes, dreams, fears, and goals for the future? What do you want to remember five or maybe 10 years down the road? Take a moment to write yourself a “dear future me” letter. You might be surprised how it brings clarity to your life.

#49 Go on One Cool Adventure Once a Quarter

Although routine is necessary in life, it has a way of killing your imagination and your capacity for enthusiasm. Break free from your routine and go on one adventure every quarter – no matter how small.

#50 Become More Aware of Your Moods

Whether you become more self-aware of your moods or enlist the help of a mood-tracking app to help you manage your moods and fight anxiety, make a plan this year to help you better understand what triggers your moods so you can live a happier and more fulfilling life.

Your teen doesn’t have to turn their life upside down to make positive changes in their life this year! They just need to tackle a few realistic New Year’s resolutions for teens that hold the power to uplift them, inspire them, and make them feel better about themselves.

What did we miss? What realistic New Year’s resolutions for teens would you include? Add your thoughts in the comments section below!