This story is about new years resolutions that are actually achievable! Every year people make a list of new years resolutions and goals that they hope to accomplish. Many of those well-considered goals will be dropped because they are unrealistic or ill-considered. Sadly, if you don’t follow through it’s demoralizing when you give up. So this year, I’m suggesting some ways to make achievable new years resolutions that can help you make 2022 better than the year before! If you can think it you can say it. If you can say it you can do it…and you will!
New Years Resolutions First Step: Affirmations Are Reminders:
You can clean your closets to clear physical clutter. But you can also clear your mind and get rid of the “nagging negatives” that keep you stuck in bad patterns and bad habits. Once you do this you can start affirmations that replace those negative thoughts and feelings with positive, motivating ones. One of the best new years goals is to make a list of the positive things you want to accomplish this year and post them as affirmations where you can see them, often. If you don’t get to them all, it’s not a failure. It’s just part of the journey.
Healthy Exercise:
Of course, we all know exercise is a must, but if you’re a couch potato, set small goals first that give you a sense of accomplishment. But first, figure out what kind of exercise will work for you and that you will actually like. If you don’t feel comfortable in a gym or hate group classes that’s ok. Look at videos online, or just go for a walk. Maybe your new years resolutions start small by parking away from the store and walking a few more feet. Soon, you’ll find you’re walking more. Start small and build on it! Exercise also produces a chemical reaction in your body that elevates your mood and makes you feel better (so they say)!
New Years Resolutions=No More Excuses!
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”. That is a clear signal that you need to do something different like “C”, “D” and “E” even if you didn’t think those things would yield results. But obviously, what you were doing, didn’t. Try something new.
Kick Sadness Out:
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’s also the best revenge! Last year I started a “Things To Be Happy About” column on advicesisters.com. I felt better and so did the people who read the columns. 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). We so often forget those little things that make life better. At the end of a month, empty the jar and you’ll be amazed at how many blessings you really have.
Embrace Where You Are Right Now:
Life is not beautiful all the time, despite what the media portrays or those Instagram influencers show you. Your life may not be even close to perfect, but there are good things about where you are right now. If you are broken-hearted about your breakup, write down all the things you like that your “ex” hated…and do every single one of those things! Feeling lonely for family far away? Perhaps you’ve forgotten about the toxic family dynamic, obnoxious kids, or fighting over silly things. You can change things as long as you have a brain and breath in your body! If you’re looking for work, get dressed every morning and allot a certain amount of time each day (not all day) to your job search. Use the time you’re not looking to shop when it’s not crowded, or take a walk mid-day while others are stuck in a cubicle somewhere. Just sayin’……
Stuck In A Rut? Try New Things:
Changing your routine is one of the quickest ways to change your attitude. Stop watching the late movie and go to bed early so you wake up naturally without the alarm clock. Drink smoothies, tea, or kombucha instead of mugs of coffee. Accept a challenge. Agree to that blind date even though you’ve been resisting. Wear a trendy color or style you normally wouldn’t select and see how your image changes. Use temporary hair color or bolder cosmetics to change your look without total commitment. Then if you like it, keep doing it permanently! Ask your new neighbor in for coffee. Make one of your new years goals to break out of the box and try something new.
Connect With Others:
Volunteer. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and to “give back.” Get in touch –with a friend you’ve lost track of, with that long-lost cousin, with colleagues that you really like and should be networking with anyway. Rekindle a friendship or perhaps ignite a new flame with an old love! No one is an island, we all need someone to talk to and connect with. There are so many social media sites to find people you’ve dropped but really didn’t want to. Just go and do it!
Keep a Journal:
One of your affirmations should be to reinforce the idea that this year is going to be the best ever! And write it all down as it happens. Ask anyone who keeps one: writing in a journal is very habit-forming and also surprisingly revealing, over time. Once you start writing you may find yourself rushing home, eager to put down all the details of your day. Read it over from time to time and you will have undeniable proof of all that you’re doing to reach your goals. Bonus: you get to learn a lot about yourself, and it’s a permanent record of your achievements.
