"Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending." -Carl Bard
It is already a week and a half into the new year, and I bet most of your New Year's 2017 resolutions have unfortunately plummeted to the ground. That gym membership didn't work out too well, did it? And the diet...I bet you had that doughnut for breakfast. Face it. Every time January comes around, we try to change our ways drastically to make the year better. However, that can often lead to failure. By setting achievable goals for ourselves, we are more likely to stick to our New Years resolutions.
This year, I plan to work on my own personal growth. I've set out to be a better person physically, mentally, and emotionally. So in light of this revelation, here are some simple New Year's resolutions that'll stick:
1. BE MORE GRATEFUL
Life often gets the best of us, and we tend to focus on the negative in life. Every day, think of something different to be grateful for. Thank someone for their services or thank God for another day of life. By being more optimistic each day, we improve our mental health and general well-being. The long-term benefits of this simple resolution will help us to live a happier and healthier life.
2. SAVE MONEY BY SAVING COINS
When we get loose change from a purchase, we often throw our coins to the bottom of our purse or the drink holder in the car. Coins can add up quick, and you'd be surprised just how much money you have in loose change. When you get change at a store, collect them in a jar and count it at the end of each month (or year if you're trying to save big!). Coins can be redeemed anywhere, like your local "Coinstar" booths found in supermarkets for a small fee, or free at your bank if you take the time to pack them in coin wrappers. Use it for a night out or a big trip!
3. CLEAN OUT YOUR JUNK DRAWER
Let's face it. We all have one. But by cleaning out our junk drawer, I don't mean it literally (unless it's really a disaster. You may want to clean it out). Think of it this way: let's say you're a really disorganized person. Your New Year's resolution may be to keep the house clean every day. This won't happen over night, and you might get frustrated and give up before even giving it a fair shot. Instead, focus on one area that really needs some tidying up, and do a great job at it! If we try to do too much at once, nothing will get done or it won't get done well. Small steps guarantee great success!
4. DEVOTE TIME TO HELPING OTHERS
5. WORK ON GIVING UP A BAD HABIT
We all have vices that are definitely not good for our own well-being. Whether it be nail biting or an obsessive addiction to smoking, there's always room for improvement in our lives. For me, the bad habit I'm trying to break is constant negativity and self-doubt. To improve on this, I've taken up journaling and blogging to reflect upon my daily thoughts and learn from them. If your bad habit is unhealthy eating, don't cut out junk food altogether. Eating in moderation should be the first way to approach this goal. Remember, it's okay to fail as long as you get back up and try again.
6. LEARN TO ACCEPT MISTAKES
They're part of life. They're bound to happen. A mistake is an opportunity to learn and to grow. They don't define us. Rather, it is how we correct these mistakes that is important. Even good people make bad choices sometimes, but a smart person will learn from what happened rather than letting it hinder their personal growth and goals. This year, allow yourself to make mistakes. There's always a lesson to be learned.
These are just a few attainable goals that you may want to carry in with you for the new year. Whatever your resolutions are, know that anything is possible if you set your heart out to achieve whatever it is. Wishing you all the best this 2017, remember:
