It’s the time of the year again for retrospection and reflection as the New Year dawn upon us. New Year Resolutions are the perfect yearly exercise to help us make important lifestyle modifications but how many of us actually keep to our goals?
Other than creating S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals, we can start small by making simple goals that are easily achievable so that you’ll be motivated to do them, and more importantly, to keep to it.
After all, success can be attained by starting out in small steps. Here are 10 simple New Year Resolutions and ideas you can make for the New Year.
Photo courtesy of drperillecounselling.com.
1. Stop checking your social media feed when you are with your family and friends
Other than feeding one’s narcissism and ego, the number of “likes” you get on your posts do little to promote your sense of well-being, so it’s time to stop being addicted to social media, bother about how many “likes” your photos garnered and instead focus on the real people around you. Social media anxiety is a serious time waster.
2. Sleep Early
We all need around 7-8 hours of sleep a night, to keep our body, mind and spirit in tip-top condition. But do you know that the bluish glow emitted from all your electronic gadgets will affect your circadian rhythm and keep you alert, thus affecting your sleep quality and worse, it can cause insomnia. So the next time, try sleeping early and refrain from using too much electronic gadgets close to bed-time.
3. Be Punctual
Punctuality is truly a virtue and being on time is a mark of a true professional. So it’s time to start making a mental note to discipline yourself to wake up early and be punctual, thus saving a lot of unnecessary cab fares every day.
4. Be a good listener
How many times do you encounter individuals who just cannot stop talking about themselves and you secretly wish that you are not engaged in a conversation with that person? Being a good listener helps to improve memory, builds rapport and fosters strong social and professional relationships with others.
5. Make time for exercise
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This New Year, it’s time to pick up a new sport you always wanted to learn and eat healthily. Exercise does not have to be tedious, in fact, it can be fun and enjoyable just to get your heart thumping.
Join a Zumba class, learn dancing, or go cycling around the many park connectors for a good cardio workout. For ladies, try to join some basic self-defense classes especially if you are going to travel alone.
6. Learn something new with your significant other
It’s always fun to pick up an essential skill, learn new things together and have precious bonding time with your significant other and it does not have to be done locally.
When you go traveling together, look out for short cooking classes or Pilates/fitness classes you both can participate in. I know that some good 5-stars hotels do provide cooking and exercise classes for their guests.
7. Travel More
Taking vacations can contribute to a positive mindset and helps improve your emotional and mental well-being, provided that you just relax, have fun and don’t think about work and social media.
Traveling with your loved ones are also great bonding time to help you rejuvenate to face the challenges ahead. Even if long haul trips are not possible, short trips to nearby countries are also great if you are on a tight budget.
8. Volunteer & Pay It Forward
Volunteering can be truly rewarding when you make an impact in someone else’s life, learn something new about yourself you never did and instill a sense of purpose when you give back to the society to help the less fortunate, especially to those who can never ever repay you.
However, there is no need to share all your good deeds on Facebook after you have done so.
9. Be kind to yourself
Learn to let go and forgive yourself, as we are sometimes our own harshest critic. Be kind to yourself and remind yourself that it is alright to fail as everyone do make mistakes. Imagine if Thomas Edison had given up after his 1000th failed attempt, we might not have the light bulb today.
10. Build an emergency fund
Start small by setting aside $1 a day for a month for the emergency fund, then slowly double that to $2 for the next month and so on. You never know when this emergency fund might just come in handy to tide you through an unexpected difficult period like a medical emergency or loss of employment.
Here are my 10 ideas for New Year Resolutions you can consider making for the New Year to start making some positive changes in your life.
What are some of your New Year Resolutions? I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year! 🙂
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurclius
Ruthie says
January 12, 2016 at 11:27 amLOVE number 1 and number 5. This generation is on their phones way to much. Myself included and it robs us of quality family time. Time for excercise has been something that truly gives me sanity. Great post! Thank you!
Miss Chocoholic says
January 12, 2016 at 1:36 pmThank you so much! Yes we need to spend more quality time with our loved ones…. 🙂
Claire says
January 12, 2016 at 1:16 pmThese are great resolutions! I need to take on some of them especially going to bed earlier!
Miss Chocoholic says
January 12, 2016 at 1:35 pmHaha…me too! I trying to sleep by midnight everyday! 🙂
Shannon Peterson says
January 12, 2016 at 2:07 pmGetting to bed earlier is always number one on my goals list!
Tara says
January 12, 2016 at 8:28 pmI have committed to spending less time online. It’s really hard to find balance when you need to be online, but you’re right – those likes will be there whether I’m checking for them or not!
tiara says
January 13, 2016 at 2:41 amGreat list. I could really work on #1 and 7 more this year.
Bianca says
January 17, 2016 at 2:35 amLove this!! Sounds almost similar to mine