Well, it’s that time of year again when people begin to think about their future and what they want their year to look like. Regardless of whether or not someone makes New Year’s resolutions, everyone wants greater joy, success, and satisfaction in work and life. Here are 23 nifty ideas to inspire you. The key? Picking a few of them to begin working on immediately.

23 Ideas to Increase Your Joy, Success, and Satisfaction in Work and Life

Feed your creativity. What do you need to be creative? Time? A new outlet? Materials and tools? Other creative thinkers to prod you along? We feel engaged when we can use our creative talents. And don’t be fooled. Everyone is naturally creative, in some way or another.
Craft your mission or purpose statement. If you’ve already done so, review it, and determine how you want your life and work to bear out your mission this year.
Write your life’s story. Your children and those you love will appreciate it someday.
Get working on your bucket list. What? You don’t have one? Then read the next idea.
Make space and time to dream. Put away the to-do list for a while. The tasks will always be there, and the list will never end. Then dream. This will also help with Idea #1 above.
Forgive someone. Write a letter to that person, even if you don’t ever give it. Feel the burden lift from your shoulders.
Ask 5 people to list your top 3 talents, strengths, and values. Are you integrating them fully in your life and work?
Throw a surprise celebration party for someone who deserves it, such as a family who fosters children, a tireless advocate for the homeless, or the neighbor who shovels his elderly neighbors’ driveways every brutal winter.
Invite your neighbors to a quarterly potluck. Get to know them!
Improve your skills, or learn something you’ve always wanted to learn. You can sign up for free college courses from top universities.
Bring your pet to a nursing home, rehab hospital, or children’s hospital. Be sure to ask permission first. Warning: smiles and giggles ahead.
When you take your dog for a walk, ask to take the neighbor’s dog as well. Maybe double trouble, or maybe double fun.
Get outside daily. Walking to the car does not count.
Include more beauty in your life–art, nature, faith….
“Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8, the Bible)
Increase your family size. Mentor a foster child, or one who has recently “graduated” from the foster system. Many 18-20 year-olds leave the foster system with no one to help guide them, answer their questions, or inspire them to create a better future. You can be there for them.
Count your blessings, literally. Keep a gratitude journal.
Stop adding to your to-do list. Take one or more items off. Got a responsibility or obligation you’re not passionate about? Are you on too many boards, committees, or task forces? Must you be all things to all people? Free up some space in your schedule.
Ask for feedback from those you trust: What am I doing well? What could I improve? These kind of intentional, honest questions can potentially change your life.
Study your disagreements, especially from the other’s perspective. What went wrong? What was your part in the disagreement? How can you communicate better? What should you have noticed?
Cut down on your New Year’s resolutions. If you make them, consider just one or two. Only 20% of resolutions are kept, so consider what is truly important for you to do, and then create a plan to achieve your goals.
Spend some time alone every day to do nothing. If an hour is a stretch, aim for 5 minutes, and then gradually lengthen the amount of time.
Resolve to compliment, praise, or encourage at least one person every day.

And here’s a bonus: Listen more, talk less.

What ideas do you have to increase your joy, success, and satisfaction in work and life? What are your New Year’s resolutions? Let us know in the comment box below.

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Have a wonderful, adventurous, inspirational year!