My Sign Says
A woman's hand holds a pen, ready to write in a blank notebook surrounded by gold confetti

New Year’s Resolutions for Every Sign of the Zodiac

It’s almost time to ring in the new year–are you ready for 2020 and the start of a new decade? If you haven’t already set some intentions for the coming year, now’s the perfect time to start brainstorming. We have a few suggestions to help you get started, based on the characteristics of your Zodiac sign.

watercolor illustration of Aries

Aries (March 21-April 19) 

For hot-headed, impulsive Aries, the new year should be all about looking before you leap. A good resolution for you would be to take a moment–perhaps to the count of 5 or 10 in your head–before making a rash decision, saying a hurtful word, or letting your impulses get the best of you.

That slight pause could mean the difference between building relationships (not just romantic, but also in terms of career and community) rather than tearing them down in 2020.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) 

You don’t necessarily put much stock in resolutions, Taurus. That might be because your stubborn streak makes everything into a resolution. In 2020, you might find that an area of your life where you indulge too often–shopping, perhaps, or fine dining–could use a little oversight.

Set a budget or limit for yourself in that area and then see if cutting back makes a positive difference in your life.

I have no doubt that you’ll be able to keep this resolution–but the challenge will be in admitting you have a problem in the first place.

watercolor illustration of Gemini
Shutterstock

Gemini (May 21-June 20) 

Hi, Gemini, can I get your undivided attention for just a moment? I know that’s tough for you, but we just have to make it through a paragraph or two. In 2020, your biggest challenge will be in limiting how many new projects you take on–and, even more important, increasing the percentage of projects that you complete.

With that in mind, your resolution should be focused on tackling just one thing at a time and sticking with it. Although you tend to get bored and distracted easily, you can train yourself to pay attention and “single-task” with practice.

watercolor illustration of Cancer

Cancer (June 21-July 22) 

Cancer, I want you to repeat after me: “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” That charming phrase means that, when you are tempted to get involved in someone else’s drama, you need to take a step back. Do you really need to intervene? Will you actually help them–or yourself?

You have a tendency to absorb the emotional energy of those around you–that comes from your nature as a Water sign who is ruled by the Moon. However, that doesn’t mean you need to react to the emotional turmoil around you. Instead of getting in the middle of someone else’s problems, go have a nice cup of tea instead.

watercolor illustration of Leo

Leo (July 23-August 22) 

You’re not going to like this, Leo. But the best resolution you can make in 2020 is to give more of yourself to others–without expecting any kind of reward or recognition. Maybe you already do volunteer work, but be honest with yourself about your motivations. To be a truly giving and open spirit, you can’t crave praise for your actions.

In the coming year, look for ways to make a difference behind the scenes. Can you donate anonymously to your favorite causes? What about volunteering to do work where you have to get your hands dirty, such as building houses for Habitat for Humanity?

watercolor illustration of Virgo

Virgo (August 23-September 22) 

Virgo, your New Year’s resolution might be the most challenging one of all. In 2020, you should try practicing in public. What does that mean? It involves letting go of your perfectionism and hypercritical mindset. Instead, let people see the rough drafts, the first attempts, and even the failures.

This is especially important if you have a creative hobby, such as painting or music, where you might need to show people what you’ve been working on before it is “perfect.” However, it can apply to all areas of your life where you can benefit from more vulnerability. It’s okay to be a work in progress!

watercolor illustration of Libra

Libra (September 23-October 22) 

In 2020, you need to get serious about your goals, Libra. As a Zodiac sign that constantly tries to find a happy medium, you often end up compromising when you should have held your ground. As you take some time at the end of the year to think about your goals and priorities for the next 12 months, highlight a few on which you absolutely will not budge.

For example, if going back to school to get a degree is your top priority, then don’t let anyone change your mind or talk you into doing halfway. If you want to get a raise at work, then go in with a strong case and positive attitude to negotiate for what you deserve.

watercolor illustration of Scorpio

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) 

What scares you, Scorpio? Although you have a reputation as one of the most fearsome signs of the Zodiac, the truth is that you are a lot more vulnerable than you let on. In 2020, a powerful resolution would be to do one thing that scares you every day (or at least once a week).

What might that mean? You could open up with a loved one and tell them how you feel. Or you could start looking for a new job if your current one is making you miserable. You could even buy a motorcycle and take off for a cross-country ride, if that’s your dream.

watercolor illustration of Sagittarius

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) 

Sagittarius, your New Year’s resolution is simple: Stop saying “yes” when you really mean “no.” You don’t like to disappoint people and will go to great lengths to avoid confrontation. However, you end up doing more damage in the long run when you make promises you don’t intend to keep.

Even something as low-stakes as RSVP’ing “maybe” to every party can cause friction in your relationships. People might not be happy if you turn them down, but it’s better to have that minor confrontation now. Be a person of your word, even if that word is “no.”

watercolor illustration of Capricorn

Capricorn (December 23-January 20) 

Dear Capricorn, I have a challenge for you in 2020. I want you to try writing in a journal every night. However, don’t confuse this task with a to-do list! Instead of jotting down your accomplishments for the day, focus on your feelings and memories.

In another decade, you won’t really care about how much you got done at work or how many projects you scratched off the list. But you will care about how you felt at this point in your life and the little moments throughout your day that you would have otherwise forgotten.

watercolor illustration of Aquarius

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) 

Aquarius, you talk a great game–but are you following through on your words with actions? Let 2020 be the year when you stop dreaming and scheming. Start doing instead.

If you’ve been talking about quitting your job to work at a non-profit, then do it. If all your friends are tired of hearing about animal rights activism or your dream of backpacking through South America, then stop talking and start making those things happen in your life.

watercolor illustration of Pisces

Pisces (February 19-March 20) 

Whenever you feel overwhelmed for the next year, Pisces, I want you to remember one thing. You are much more resilient than you give yourself credit for being. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, you won’t break.

Any time you’re faced with a situation that makes you feel overwhelmed or helpless in 2020 (and, sadly, those moments arrive for us all), stand up straight and remind yourself that you can handle anything. Breathe deeply, know that this too shall pass, and then roll up your sleeves and tackle the problem. You’re going to be fine.