Not Your Usual New Year's Resolutions

Have you signed up for that gym membership yet?

Perhaps you just bought a fresh supply of nicotine patches.

Or maybe you've made that promise to leave work by 5 o'clock every day come January.

It's that time of year again. Whether motivated by guilt or a renewed zest for life, many of us will be making resolutions to change for the better. And New Year's is the perfect time to bring together our passion for making the world a better place with that age-old tradition of making our yearly resolutions.

Let's face it, many resolutions are not, well, completely realistic. (Do you honestly think you'll get back down to that svelte high-school physique by spring?)  Fortunately, these five New Year's resolutions are different. They are easy to stick to and can have a truly positive impact on the world.

1. I will become better informed about one global issue that moves me.
From saving the rainforests to opposing unfair trade practices, simply read one book or magazine article on your favourite topic.

Next, spend one hour exploring websites or internet resources relating to this issue. You can then look into whether there are easy action steps you can take to help.

2. I will finally take a serious look into child sponsorship.
Instead of grand plans to shape the entire world, start small and discover how you can change a single life for the better. Click here to learn more about World Vision child sponsorship.

If you're already a child sponsor, resolve to encourage three people to explore child sponsorship.  You can explain the difference you have seen it make in the life of your sponsored child and answer any questions that may come up.

3. I will go even greener in my own home and workplace.
As each year goes by, we see the impact of climate change. These changes have the most acute effects on vulnerable individuals in the developing world. You can help in simple ways, like finally replacing all those light bulbs with energy-saving fluorescent bulbs and reducing your weekly garbage to a maximum of two bags.

4. I will express my preference for alternative gifts.
On at least one personal celebration when you expect to receive presents, you can ask people who love you to donate to a charity instead of purchasing a gift you probably don't need.

Click here to browse the World Vision Gift Catalogue.

5. I will start to change the world one person at a time.
Simply invite a neighbour in for coffee (fair-trade coffee, of course). Or host a casual dinner party for friends who need a boost. Or simply smile at just one stranger every day.