You ever look up the definition of “resolution”? It ranges, depending on the dictionary, from a “strong determination to change something” to “conviction to make a significant difference in something”.

That sounds a little heavy for something most people do at midnight while A) drunk, or B) heading off to bed. This is why I don’t even bother with resolutions during the new year.

It is just human nature to look at the change in year (which really doesn’t mean anything) and want to make some sort of pact with your future self. That’s fine, but instead, try a little “to-do” list of no pressure things you want to achieve or do. Here I’ll get you started:

• Sing in the car. It keeps you from wanting to look at your phone, and amuses every driver around you.

• See that “old movie” you’ve been wanting to watch. You know it is going to be better than whatever is coming out this year.

• Junk drawer clean out. Get on it.

• You aren’t wearing that old shirt any more. Donate it.

• Have a favorite restaurant? Order something you haven’t tried yet but always wanted to.

• Spend an entire day off social media (unless work related). Then later take off a week. It is easier than it sounds, and you’ll be happier.

• Follow a site or listen to a podcast that is not related to politics in any way. Fun art or music sites always draw me in.

• For the love of God, read a book. Not a web article or blog. Pick up an old school book and lose yourself in it.

• Smile sweetly at cranky people. If you can’t change their heart, at least you can confuse them. That’s always fun.

• Purchase something “hard copy”. Magazine, book, record, or movie. Too much digital stuff is kinda getting creepy.

• Find a cool reason to celebrate something at least once a month. Whether Chinese New Year or Batman Day, break up the monotony of ordinary days.

• If you are able, take some walks. Find some new cool places to stroll or hike. It always clears my head.

• Yes, make that phone call (not a text) to a family member of friend just to see how they are doing. We’re getting too lonely in this weird introverted world.

• You know that chore you’ve been worrying about for ever? Either finally do the damn thing, or admit you are never doing it. Then forget about it.

• Hug someone everyday. Your spouse. Your kids. A pet. Everyone needs a hug.

• Do something — anything — creative as much as possible. Draw or doodle a picture on a napkin. Fold piece of tin foil into a duck. Take some nature photos. Get that great mind of yours working for you.

• If they did a good job, leave a nice note along with the tip for a waiter or waitress. Or tell someone at the retail counter they did a good job. People are turning into absolute dicks as customers. Don’t be one of them.

• Toss up a prayer of thanks whenever you can if you are religious. If you aren’t religious, just take a second or two each day for some peaceful gratitude. You gotta make being thankful a habit, otherwise we get complacent. Or worse, “entitled.”

• Go somewhere you have never been. I’m not just talking about travel plans. Go to a new restaurant or local shop. Take a new route somewhere just for a change of scenery. If you can: make a road trip to somewhere new. We can’t always afford a big trip, finding something new to see or experience nearby.

• Finally, and this is important!! Laugh every single day. There may be some days when thing feel just dire, but you need to latch on to a reason to chuckle, laugh out loud, or share some goofiness with friends. I’ve always believed maintaining a sense of humor is a big part of staying healthy.

Seriously, the idea of the “resolution” is so daunting, and if there is some massive change we need to make in our lives, waiting until the new year isn’t the way to go.

However, there is always room for the little things, and when you put enough of them together, they can make a big difference.

Happy 2023. Let’s all watch out for each other.