For most people, the New Year represents renewal and fresh starts. New Year resolutions are popular even though many people find it difficult to stick to them long-term. Could that be because they are choosing the wrong type of New Year's resolutions?

Here are 5 not so typical New Year Resolution ideas we wanted to share:

Travel can have so many positive impacts on a person, especially traveling out of the country. Exposing yourself to new cultures, experiences, food, and people can broaden your horizons and perspective on life in general. If you don't already have one, get yourself a passport and begin seeing the world. If you can't afford to travel abroad, look for a local area that you have never explored.

Irrational fears and phobias can be very limiting. Choose one fear or phobia to focus on overcoming by the end of the year. Be patient with yourself and employ professional assistance when necessary.

Volunteering in your local community can be transformational. Not only are you helping others, you are building up your own esteem, pride, and compassion. Find a cause you are passionate about and roll up your sleeves. Participating in volunteer work also inspires others around you to do the same.

The New Year is a great time to get your home organized. If that task is too overwhelming, just choose one room. Really take the time to fully organize every part of the room with appropriate storage and get rid of old things you no longer need or use. Keeping the space around you neat and organized can help you feel less stress and of course make things much easier to find when you need them. If you simply don't have enough space in your home for everything you want to keep, consider renting a storage unit for your overflow.

Reducing stress is at the top of most people's list when it comes to improving quality of life. Starting a daily meditation routine may help your stress levels, overall health, and emotional well-being. If you aren't sure how to meditate, find a local class or look for instructional videos online.