The average person is able to keep their New Year’s Resolution intact for the first one to two weeks of the new year.  The numbers drop off significantly after a month and even more so after six months. Nowadays people often view New Year’s resolutions as a joke, something that will inevitably fail. According to researcher John Norcross, the most common resolutions include some sort of diet program, exercise, quitting smoking, improving money management and eliminating debt.  While those things are good and will benefit you in the long run, they are largely self-focused. What if more people developed New Year’s resolutions that were others- focused?

I wonder if more people would be better able to stick to their resolve if they had a chance to experience what it was like to truly make a difference in the life of another. The Bible encourages us in Philippians 2:3-4, to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”


Here is a list of some others-focused New Year’s Resolutions that may be worth keeping and definitely worth a try.

1. Learn about a social issue that is prevalent in your community.

A social issue is a problem that impacts a large population of people in a given community. Some examples of social issues are child abuse, poverty, homelessness, teen pregnancy and human trafficking.

2. Put a face to the social issue.

This involves going outside of your comfort zone and putting yourself in a position where you may meet someone that is not in your usual network. For instance, go help out at our Treasures for Hope Charity Store.  Take the time to sit down with a young adult from Villages of Hope who was homeless and listen to his or her story.

3. Partner with an organization that is working to provide a solution to the social issue.

Volunteer with one of our programs or events.  Come and tour our campus at Place of Hope.

4. Make a difference in the life of one.

Foster a child, mentor a teen mom or give a meal to one of our Family Cottages.

5. Share your experience.

Spread awareness of the social issue that you are passionate about within your network of friends. Host your own Party With A Purpose and encourage others to learn more and get involved.