Previous Story
Being Better: New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we need to make and how we can go about making them. Many people – either overtly or by making private promises to themselves – create New Year’s Resolutions. A new year often feels like a fresh start, a great opportunity to eliminate bad habits and establish new routines that will help you grow psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically or intellectually.
Choosing a specific, realistic goal will help you achieve your aim, which is much better for you than choosing something you will easily fall short of.
Making New Year’s Resolutions can be the first step to self-improvement this year because New Year’s Resolutions can help us refocus on priorities in our lives. Last year seemed somewhat hectic at times for everyone and the everyday grind does get in the way of what is important if you let it.
Below are some popular New Year’s resolutions for 2014, with practical steps on how you can complete them:
Lose Weight
It’s not surprising that many people want to lose weight after over-indulging at Christmas, but this could be a longstanding goal of yours. Embrace the spirit of New Year by trying something new – whether it’s Bikram yoga, Zumba, Rugby or Extreme Frisbee. Look at your strengths and likes / dislikes – if you know you dislike running don’t force yourself to run a marathon. And see if your friends want to join a class with you – working out in a group can help you have fun and stay motivated.
Quit Smoking
The first port of call for anyone wishing to quit smoking should be the GP, who can advise you on different methods that would be suitable for you. Consider whether you think electronic cigarettes or patches and gum will help or if you will be able to cut it down and out. Focus on how much better you feel for not smoking and how much better your hair and clothes smell!
Spend More Time with Family and Friends
There are easy things you can do to spend more time with your loved ones, such as making plans to meet up with friends for an evening every other week, or picking a day each week for fun with the family. Work doesn’t need to come first all the time!
Giving Something Back
One way to grow is by volunteering to help at your local charity and this could also help you with other resolutions you have made – resolution multi-tasking if you will! If the children love animals, see if there is any volunteer work that can be done at your local animal shelter as a family. You could decide to sponsor a child in a developing country and receive letters and updates from them, to read as a family. Or if you have resolved to learn new skills to get a new job, volunteering your time will mean that you learn as well as aiding a good cause.
Whatever you decide to do in 2014 – here’s to a happy and successful one for everyone!
Guest post from Liz who supports World Vision UK, a charity working to free every child from fear.
Don’t forget to check out Learn How To Make Your Vision Board! to help you with your goals.
