11 Steps To Start Your New Year Off Right

“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals." -Melody Beattie

With 2017 staring us right in the face, it’s time to set those goals. I’m not talking those crazy goals that are not humanly possible. I’m talking about little things, that you can add into your day to day life, to hopefully give you a better year! Writing down your goals, and slowly adding them into your life, is and easier process than throwing 10 goals at yourself on January 1st.

1. Slow down to speed up.

You can’t expect to run a marathon, when you’re exhausted. Take some time for yourself, recharge your battery before you plan on doing big things. Whether it is a day at the spa, or even a 30 minute nap, we all need a few minutes to ourselves.

2. Don’t write a “to-do list”...

You’re just setting yourself up for failure. Once you start writing a list you will think of so many things that you want to get done, and you will never be able to finish all of the tasks. Instead, set daily reminders of things you want to accomplish that day, by a certain time.

3. Write a bucket list…

Not only will this help your year, but this will help your life. You will start to look at your life and think more of the future, instead of the day to day life that you tend to get stuck in.

4. Be realistic.

You most likely will not make it to the gym 6 days a week… We all would like to lose weight in the new year and be fit, but set a realistic goal for yourself. If you go to school full-time, or work full-time, maybe 3-4 days a week is a good plan. Even if you are just living a healthier lifestyle. Eating things that are better for you, cutting out fast food from your diet, taking your dog for a longer walk, the littlest things can make a big change in the end.

5. Get Organized.

Everything should have a place, so find that place for everything and put it there!

6. Donate/throw out

Old things that have no use to you anymore. That hoodie that you’ve had since 8th grade, with all the holes in it… toss it. All of those old books that you read 3 years ago, cluttering your shelves, donate them. There is always someone out there who would appreciate something a lot more than you would think.

7. Change is good!

Get rid of people who are holding you back. There is no sense in keeping toxic people in your life. Keep those who respect you and treat you well near.

8. Donate or volunteer

For an organization that speaks to you. There is no better feeling than doing something for others who could use the help.

9. Find something that you’re passionate about.

Anything from knitting, playing an instrument, to painting, or even playing a sport, find that one thing and devote at a few hours a month to doing that one thing.

10. Try to eliminate as much stress as possible.

I know that is so much easier said than done. If that old job is causing you nothing but stress, start looking around for new opportunities. If a relationship with one of your friends is stressing you out, you have the power to say, “no more”... It’s up to you to make this change.

11. Don’t beat yourself up

If you don’t reach one of your goals, or you slip up on a schedule you set. We are all human. As much as we would all love to change at the beginning of the New Year, we have to be realistic… We can only make so much change in one day!

“New Year - a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story ? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.” - Alex Morritt