New Year’s Resolutions
A New Year resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to make some improvements in your life, as it provides everyone with a fresh start and a chance to start over, no matter how badly the previous year ended. These resolutions or promises often reform lifestyle changes. Here is a list of some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions:
1.) Improve Career- Are you stuck in your current job? If you feel it’s time to look for a new job, polish your resume and market yourself. Or, use some of your industry contacts to secure a different position. Networking is very important when looking for a new job opportunity. If you need to take a few classes to move up in your job check out the available courses at a local community college and see if they match your interests. Another option is to take classes through local adult education centers. If your schedule is super-busy, look into taking a few classes online. These days, there are many options and opportunities available.
2.) Improve Health- After enjoying lots of holiday goodies from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, many people use this time to get back on track and resume a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise. If you need to lose a few pounds this year, closely look at your daily diet to see exactly what types of food you are eating. Fitness centers offer numerous specials and deals during the month of January, which makes it the perfect time to join a health club. However, if the monthly membership doesn’t fit your budget, make plans to walk with a friend a few days a week. Having a partner to exercise with on a regular basis will motivate both of you to follow through with your commitment. The other health-related old standbys are to quit smoking and drink less alcohol.
3.) Volunteer More- Find time in your schedule to volunteer, whether it’s through your religious organization, a local library, or a recreation center in your area. There are many non-profit volunteer organizations that could use your help. There’s always a child who can be mentored or a family who may need help with some household repairs. If your time is limited, maybe you can donate some items to a worthy cause.
4.) Quality Time with Family and Friends-- Are you always running around after work with errands and different activities? This year, resolve to slow down and spend more quality time with your family and friends. Create a weekly family activity such as a movie night, pizza night or let the kids select one of their favorite pastimes on the weekends. Have you been trying to get together with a friend, but just can’t manage to find time to squeeze in a cup of coffee? Between email, cell phones, and text messages, there’s no reason you can’t keep in touch. Find a way of communication and set a date to meet for lunch, a drink or even a walk.
5.) Keep a Journal of Awesome Moments—Take time to record some of life’s most precious memories. Jot down some of the cute things that the kids have said recently or write about a fun family trip. We are all so busy in our everyday lives, but it just takes a few minutes to capture some of the best anecdotes and moments. As the kids get older, you’ll be glad you took the time to preserve the funny sayings and happenings.
6.) Manage Stress- Enjoy your life more. Stop stressing out about the small stuff and you will notice a definite improvement in your physical and mental health. Resolve to take a “me” day. Schedule a vacation day from work or arrange for your husband or a relative to watch your children. Then, do whatever you want. Go to a matinee movie, spend the day shopping, or just relax on the couch with a good book. The important thing is to make one of these dates a few times a year.
7.) Learn Something New- Maybe it’s time to explore a new hobby or enjoy the fun of learning a new language. Taking a course through a local adult continuing education center is one of the best ways to keep a resolution.
8.) Try Something Different– Start a pot-luck ritual. Make it a once-a-month gathering with friends. Before your guests leave, set a date for the next get-together. Have you been meaning to start your own blog, but you don’t know where to begin? Go to www.blogspot.com to get started. It’s easy and it’s free and a great way for you to express your feelings and catch up with friends. Take time to explore your hometown. Many of us take for granted where we live. You can resolve to spend more time learning about the history, culture, and people in your community. Maybe you can check out a local band in the area or sign up for a guided nature walk in your neighborhood park. Search all of the event listings in your area and pick an activity.
9.) Read Every Month—Even if you don’t have time to join a monthly book club, vow to read at least one book per month. Whether it’s on your Nook or with a book from the local library, challenge yourself to learn about a new subject or activity or simply read for pleasure.
10.) Don’t Be Hard on Yourself—Okay, so you wrote an entire list of resolutions and by the third week in January, you haven’t been very successful in achieving your goals. Give yourself a break and then try again the next day. Post your resolutions in a central location to keep you motivated.
Hopefully 2012 will be the year you are finally able to try some of the things you’ve been meaning to, but haven’t been able to, in years past. Good luck!
