In 2014 I will stop making New Year resolutions

Guys, can you believe 2013 is almost over already?

Whether your year's been good, bad, fun, or just plain strange, looking back I'm sure there are things we wished we could have done more of and definitely things we should have done less of. But rather than worry about another fad diet or giving up the booze/chocolate/burritos because seriously, we all fail those oh so cliché resolutions, why not start thinking about doing something different, to make 2014 a really memorable, happy year?

We've put our thinking caps on and come up with a few suggestions that really only take a bit of time and planning, but will enhance your life for the better. And no gym membership is needed, thank goodness. So, in 2014, I will...

...give up a few lattes and give to a charity

Whether your heart goes out to children in poverty, animals in need or adults requiring some form of help and support, it's actually really easy and affordable to support a charity. If you can't budget a monthly donation, think about a one-off in January and see how the rest of the year goes. All it takes is a bit of planning. So. Say for the entire month of January, you give up that morning coffee. Say instead of spending £2.30 on a latte, you put that money aside for a month. Even two weeks. You could have enough to make a real difference.

...spend at least one day a month with someone special

Life get really busy, doesn't it. In a few days it'll be back to work, and we'll all be saving like mad to pay off last month's pleasures. But don't forget those people who mean something to you. Although Facebook makes people more accessable than ever, it sure does take the social out of socialising. So once a month, plan a day with your nan, your best friend, your mum, sister, even your dog. Leave your phone at home and spend some quality time together. We guarantee it'll make life just that little bit more brighter for everyone.

...go to one new place every season

Whether it's a far-flung exotic island (Bora Bora *hint*) or just a local park you've never really meandered through, it's good to have a change of scenery every now and then. Aim to spend a few hours (at least) experiencing the new sights, sounds and smells around you. Find a lovely little market town in spring and browse the boutiques. In summer, take a train to somewhere. Anywhere. In autumn, head over to a street food pop up and give a new cuisine a go. Wrap up warm and head to the beach in winter. As long as it's new, it's good.

...ditch fate and get some focus

A recent academic study showed people who believed in fate were less better off than those who took control of their lives. £82,000 worse off, in actual fact. The saying 'fortune favours the brave' has never been more apt. So instead of being a passer-by in your own life and thinking those who are popular, wealthy or happy are just lucky, make plans for the future. Whether it's a new career path, a new business, a savings scheme or some other aspect of your life, stop hoping, and start doing.

What are your plans for 2014?