As the days wind down each year, I think about what I did and what goals I finally accomplished. But I also tend to feel guilty about what I didn’t accomplish. New Years’ resolutions are great if you follow through. But goals can be overwhelming to accomplish in one big chunk. The first month of the year is almost over. Therefore, in this advicesisters.com story, I’m suggesting some easy things you can think about (and hopefully, do) that can turn things around and/or make your life better in 2023. Make these goals, stick! What’s on your list?
Easy Affirmations:
Clear your mind of negative thoughts that lead to bad habits and substitute something better and more positive. I firmly believe in positive affirmations.Pick a few things you really want to do this year, and post them as affirmations where you can see them. If you don’t accomplish them don’t get discouraged. Growth is a journey and takes time. d
Exercise:
a brisk walk on a cold beach might not be for everyone, but a workout buddy helps
I am a prime scofflaw when it comes to promising I’ll exercise every day because then I don’t! But there are little things I can do (and so can you) to get started. If you drive, resist the urge to go to the parking space closest to the building, and walk a few more feet. Maybe you aren’t doing a full workout, but you can move more. For example, set a reminder on your smartwatch to move every hour. Get up, stretch, and maybe walk around before bending over that computer again.
Exercise doesn’t have to be in a gym. My husband and I used to do swing dancing once a week. It was fun and social, but it was also exercise! If you are even just a little more active each day, you’ll find it gets easier. They say that exercise also produces a chemical reaction in your body that elevates your mood. LMK is you feel it too!
Stop Doing What’s NOT Working:
Excuses don’t get you to your goals. But if what you’re doing now isn’t working, don’t keep bashing your head against it. Let’s face it: if you keep trying “A” and getting result “B” and that’s not what you want, don’t just keep trying “A”. Maybe now it’s time to think outside of the box and try “C”, “D” and “E” even if you didn’t think those things would yield results, Let’s face it, continuing to do “A” won’t get you anywhere.
Get Over It:
You can’t move forward if you are consumed with grief, brokenhearted, or consumed by anger. Living well (and being happy) is the key to a happy life, and frankly. It is also the best revenge if someone has hurt you. If you are really upset and can’t move forward, create a “gratitude jar.” Every day force yourself to find something, anything no matter how small–even if it’s just that someone wished you a good day, or you communed with your pet). At the end of a month, empty the jar and you’ll be amazed at how many little but real blessings you have.
Enjoy Your Status:
here’s to being single
Are you brokenhearted over being broken up? It’s time to embrace being single. Living well is the best revenge, and it’s also the best way to get over a breakup. For example, make a list of all the things you like that your “ex” hated…and do every single one of those things s/he didn’t want to do with you! Go on vacation and revel in the thought that you aren’t stuck with the in-laws and their obnoxious kids, or camping, or stuck at home. You can be alone without being lonely. Connect with old friends, and make new ones. Take a cruise and enjoy a single’s cabin without someone else’s mess. And do whatever you want to do! Volunteer, indulge in a new hobby, join a book club, get a pet…
the list of things to keep you busy and involved with others is endless.
Put Away The Past:
was this your special day? Maybe put this piece away for a while
On the same topic, if someone has passed, don’t leave too many reminders around while you’re still in the grief stage. Put fluffy’s leash in a drawer or a pet remembrace box. Get rid of the old sweatshirt he wore (at least wash the scent out of it). Show off new things that really fit your style (not “our” style). Take lots of photos of the things you’re doing now and remove the “sad” memories from your phone (a USB stick will do the trick).
Change Routines:
Changing your routine is one of the quickest ways to change your attitude and reach new goals. If you are the type that gets up early every day, indulge yourself by going to bed early and staying there until you wake up naturally without the alarm clock. Drink kombucha instead of coffee. Splurge on a spa treatment or massage. Accept a challenge. Agree to that blind date even though you’ve been resisting. Ask your new neighbor for coffee. You get the idea.
Try Out A New Look:
maybe this is a bit too much change but….
Making a physical change can really help jump-start other changes. It doesn’t have to be drastic. Use hair chalk or temporary hair color. Try different makeup colors. Find a new style and show off your new and improved attitude! Just to get out of your comfort zone and make an outward statement that shows you’re moving forward.
Reconnect With People:
If you are feeling a bit lonely or uninspired, get in touch with an old friend, or maybe even ignite a new flame with an old love. No one is an island, we all need someone to talk to and connect with. You can’t make progress if you stay shut in your home, so go out and try something new, even if you are squirming about it as you walk out the door. Once involved, you will realize it’s actually fun to be with people you like, and those who could be new friends.
Wash Trouble Away:
If you find yourself truly at the end of your rope, literally wash those troubles right out of your hair. It worked pretty well for Nelly Forbush in “South Pacific. Take a tip from Nelly, and sing at the top of your lungs: “I’m gonna wash that man/woman/boss/two-timer/nagging kid/obnoxious neighbor/co-worker/colleague RIGHT OUTTA MY HAIR!” over and over. Your tension will be relieved and your troubles will seemingly go down the drain, by the time you’re rinsing out the conditioner! Bonus: clean hair!
Start Writing About…You!
The most important subject in your life is still….you. So journaling (or a diary, if you must call it that) is a great way to learn about yourself. I re-read my own diaries from high school and I couldn’t put them down. It’s amazing what you forgot, and how you were back then. Journalizing is addictive and it helps you with your goals. You’ll find that you want to document the details of your day and how you were feeling about yourself, your contact, and your world. Read it over from time to time and will be amazed at what’s in this record of your achievements.
