Most New Year's resolutions are self-directed and about 80% of them fail by February. On the other hand, research has shown that selfless giving can enhance happiness and improve your health. Maybe the key to sticking to your 2020 aspirations is creating resolutions that are more altruistic. Try giving part of this New Year to a cause that is bigger than yourself! Here are four selfless resolutions you can make in the New Year:

Go Green

You can help our environment in your own small but impactful ways. Resolve to recycle, carry around your reusable grocery bags, donate old clothing instead of throwing it away, etc. You don’t have to make life-altering changes to take part in healing our environment and reduce your carbon footprint. The Grand Foundation is committed to back a number of nonprofits that support our environment. If you want to go the extra (green) mile, you can donate to a fund that supports the environment or volunteer for an environmental nonprofit.

Volunteer

Committing to giving just a small percentage of your time this year to a cause you believe in can make a huge difference, both for your feelings of fulfilment and for the nonprofit you’re supporting. Maybe you resolve to volunteer on a monthly basis or choose a set number of events to volunteer for this year. You can visit grandvolunteers.org to find volunteer opportunities in Grand County. Our nonprofits value your helping hands!

Give Blood

Most of us have more blood then we need and can save lives by donating a little excess. Did you know we can physically donate blood every 56 days? Even just resolving to give blood once in 2020 could save up to three lives and 4.5 million Americans will a need blood transfusion each year. You may have to head down the hill and into the city but you can find blood drives through the American Red Cross.

Donate

Whether you have a little to give or a lot, you can make a huge difference in 2020, and feel good about doing so. Donations to our Grand County community help improve the quality of life for all of our residents. Perhaps you are extremely passionate about a cause in our community. An amazing 2020 resolution could be establishing a Donor Advised Fund to earmark your donation towards your cause. You can learn more here.

Happy New Year, Grand County!