As each New Year approaches, many people find themselves making resolutions that are over the top and sometimes far-fetched.
Instead of taking on more than you might be able to handle, try making a list of mini-resolutions that still present a challenge, but are sure to be achieved regardless of whatever obstacles may come your way.
Here’s some food for thought when making your list of mini resolutions.
Give back.
New Year’s resolutions are often thought of as personal goals, oftentimes physical but sometimes not. Instead of focusing all of your resolutions on your physical self, think outside of the box and challenge yourself to help others more this year. Giving back to the world is one of the most satisfying feelings that one can have, and it’s so easy!
Something as simple as volunteering at a homeless shelter or paying for the lunch of the person behind you in line at a restaurant will check this off of your list.
If you want, you can even make this goal more about helping your family; something as small as making a covered dish for a family member’s dinner for no special reason. Obviously this is something that you could do throughout the year and for years to come. It’s a good idea to stay conscious of how often you’re helping others.
Challenge your creativity.
Challenge yourself to stay creative this year. Everyone needs some type of outlet that keeps their creativity alive; it’s only healthy.
Although many people find it difficult to make time for creative hobbies, it’s important to make time for something like scrapbooking or blogging, or another creative activity you enjoy, for the stability of your mental health.
This also allows you to set aside a time for personal meditation and destressing after a long work day or while enjoying a day off. You’ll be grateful for this resolution when you’re enjoying a creative hobby like you never thought you could.
Take care of yourself.
Leading a healthy lifestyle has to be one of the most common universal New Year’s resolutions. To be more specific, losing weight is a common resolution for many.
This is where the far-fetched goals come into the picture. This is not to say that a person can’t accomplish anything they put their mind to, but these kinds of goals can often cause people to push themselves too far.
In order to keep from pushing yourself over the edge trying to reach a certain weight loss number, make a general goal to take care of yourself and to make your health a priority.
Instead of counting calories, make healthier choices when buying groceries and make an effort to exercise whenever you can. Just by making these small adjustments to your daily life, you’re sure to see a difference in the way you feel. After all, the number on a scale shouldn’t determine your happiness, but maintaining your health and having fun while doing so should.
Try something new.
How often do you think you had the same meal for dinner during the past year? When’s the last time you tried or experienced something new? Humans are creatures of habit, so it’s not uncommon for people to stick to a routine that they’re comfortable with.
As clichéd as it may sound, it’s true that you only live once. Make a pact this year to yourself or your family that you will go out of your comfort zone and experience new things. Whether it be food, destinations or activities, life has too much to offer and there’s no point in missing out!
Conquer fears.
Whether they wear it on their sleeve or it’s hidden deep down, everyone has a fear or anxiety that they wish to put behind them. Conquering a fear, no matter how large or small, will make this year unlike any other. However, fears are very complex, and conquering one can become very involved depending on how intense one’s fear or anxiety is.
If you think this is your year to put your biggest fear in the past, make sure to take it one step at a time, and seek guidance along the way from family, friends, or even a professional. Although such a process can be trying, a stronger person will prevail, ready to take on the next year and the resolutions that follow.
Set Goals and Reward Yourself
This resolution may seem too simple for some, but it’s also something that is overlooked by many. The general goal for nearly every resolution that can be made at the New Year is to make said year more productive than the last. To ensure that the passion that exists at the beginning of the year continues to last throughout the next 365 days is to keep yourself motivated. Set smaller goals that will lead you to reaching the larger ones.
More importantly, when you do begin to check off the resolutions on your list, it’s important to reward yourself. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate reward; it doesn’t even have to be a physical item. Simply allow yourself to recognize your accomplishments, to stop and relax without guilt or interruption.
These goals and rewards, along with healthy relationships and a good support system will have you starting and ending this year better than ever. Make 2016 the year of “I did it!” rather than the year of “I’ll try again next year.”
Share your own New Year’s resolutions in the comments!
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