With 2018 in the rearview mirror, we’re all reflecting on what went well and what…needed improvement. ’Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions, and so we’ve formulated a few tailored to your zodiac sign. Just one more to tack onto your list...
Your New Year’s Resolution, According to Your Zodiac Sign
Aries: Focus on the long game
You’re overflowing with creative energy, Aries (especially with Mars in your sign at the turn of the new year). But the trick is figuring out which ideas are worth investing in and which ones to abandon. In the new year, pledge to settle down with at least one or two goals that will require months (or years!) of effort, not just minutes. You’ll slide into 2020 with more than a few wins you never thought possible.
Taurus: Do one thing that scares you…once a quarter
Taureans are notoriously resistant to moving outside of their comfort zones. But as they say, that’s where the magic happens. In 2019, you don’t have to abandon your tried-and-true traditions, but you should commit to trying something new a few times this year. It can be big or small, but if you allow yourself to feel the discomfort of the unknown, you may stumble onto something you can’t believe you ever lived without.
Gemini: Finish that book
Geminis are the communicators of the zodiac, and it’s likely many of you have a few writing or creative ambitions kicking around in your head. But your scattered energy is difficult to harness in the attention economy (so much #hashtag content!), so pick one thing you want to see through to the end. Chances are, your project will evolve, keeping you on your toes (and invested) all year!
Cancer: Care for yourself the way you care for others
You may have learned this year that when you neglect yourself, you end up unable to help anyone else—as every airline ever says: put that oxygen mask on your damn self first! We know that as the zodiac’s nurturers, you love to offer support to those in your inner circle. But it’s not selfish to make an investment in your own well-being—mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, artistic—before you launch into caretaking mode. If it’s what you would do for someone you love, do it for yourself.
Leo: Accept criticism gracefully
You don’t have to agree with every naysayer, Leo—in fact, your ability to believe in yourself is one of your greatest strengths. But every now and then, you’re going to run into someone who just doesn’t buy what you’re selling. But instead of popping off (even internally!), make 2019 the year you receive painful criticism with patience, understanding and grace. You won’t betray yourself by listening to a note or two with an open mind, and you may find you agree with some of them. Some!
Virgo: Be your own hype person
Don’t worry, Virgo, we’re not asking you to abandon your integrity. You’ve got your high standards, and you can keep them intact. But you know you’re good (stop, you are), and allowing yourself to acknowledge that in the new year will not transform you into some egomaniac blinded by self-serving judgment. You deserve props, plain and simple, and it will be less cringe-worthy when others pay you a compliment if you’re used to taking them from yourself. See? There’s a practical benefit for you.
Libra: Reclaim your time
Your people-pleasing probably earned you a lot of meetings with folks you really didn’t want to spend time with. That’s one of the tricky things about being everyone’s favorite—your schedule fills right up. In 2019, pledge to see your time for what it is: a valuable, nonrenewable resource. Managing your energy might mean disappointing a few people (they will get over it!), and putting yourself first.
Scorpio: Release ONE grudge
You’re as fixed as the fixed signs get, Scorpio, so we know you’re not going to change overnight (or overyear). But in 2019, you can challenge yourself to cross one enemy off of your list (you might have several lists…). You don’t have to forgive, forget or compromise your own boundaries, but hanging onto anger does hurt you in the long run. Pick one grudge, light some sage and let it go. You’ll feel lighter.
Sagittarius: Don’t volunteer negative feedback
You’re wonderfully honest, Sagittarius, and that’s why your friends trust you to tell them if they have spinach in their teeth. But you’re so used to speaking your truth that you don’t always wait for an invite. This year, try to hold back the more unsavory opinions if no one is asking for notes. Think of your opinions as abiding by vampire rules—they have to be invited in. Doesn’t mean you can’t think whatever you want, though...
Capricorn: Take all of your vacation days
You’re so buttoned-up, Capricorn, you probably take pride in having leftover vacation days (especially if they don’t rollover into the new year because you’re masochistic like that). Your consistent performance on the job requires maintenance, so while time off may seem wasteful, it’s doing the valuable work of keeping you in tip-top shape, mentally, physically and emotionally. If that’s not enough, consider the business rationale: Aren’t you leaving money on the table for not fully utilizing your benefits?
Aquarius: Read articles you don’t agree with
It’s hard being right all the time, Aquarius, right? If you disagree, that’s the point. You can’t evolve your (very right) opinions if you never test them, and the best way to do that is to mix up your media consumption habits to include at least one or two voices with a totally different hot take. At first, you’ll get angry, but the influence of new ideas will inevitably inspire greater understanding. Ultimately, you’ll have more conviction AND more empathy for other perspectives.
Pisces: Be your own CFO
Your financial future doesn’t have to be as difficult to navigate as your emotions (we say it with love, Pisces). While money is notoriously one of the most stressful subjects to tackle, it is surprisingly easy to implement a few strategies for keeping your wallet in check. Whether it’s contributing a few percentage points more into your 401(k) or Roth IRA or committing to eating out only on weekends, the difference will add up.
Kiki O'Keeffe is an astrology writer in Brooklyn. You can sign up for her newsletter, I don't believe in astrology, or follow her Twitter @alexkiki.