New Year, New You!

2020 is on the way out, let's welcome 2021 properly!

I don't know if the propensity to make resolutions for the coming year is a world wide phenomenon or just wide spread in the US.  In either case, each January first we "resolve" to change something in our lives, often more than one thing. But let's face it, 2020 was a rough year all the way around, so let's not start the new year setting ourselves up for failure.  Here is a list of the common resolutions we predictably make each year.

TOP 10 RESOLUTIONS

Exercise

Quit smoking

lose weight

quit drinking

enjoy life more

more family time

get out of debt

learn something new

help others

get organized

I would like to suggest something different and I hope this gives you some inspiration or a new perspective.

Pick only one thing and instead of it being a major resolution, make it a micro change in your life and live this day-to-day.

For instance, rather than the overarching and sometimes overwhelming Lose Weight, how about drink 60 ounces of water a day or do ten minutes on the elliptical 3-5 days a week.  Micro change is the idea of changing one smaller thing within the big picture.  A large component to this is to forgive yourself if you slip up and start again the next day.   This has proven to help people meet those bigger goals when it is simplified into a smaller task.  You gain a sense of accomplishment and build your confidence that you can make this work.

If you have a daily schedule, write it in ahead of time with encouraging words to make it a priority.  You can encourage yourself, not discourage or beat yourself up.  Become your own cheerleader.  This isn't about changing your entire lifestyle all at once, but changing one small behavior at a time.  Plan ahead for everything you will need to be serious about this goal so you aren't procrastinating.  Don't get down on yourself if you slip up (it's bound to happen), just believe in yourself and do your best to set yourself up for success going forward.

Another important aspect is to learn from the outgoing year.  I offer a few journaling prompts to help give 2020 a send off so we can mentally start on the new year without the baggage.  I have been doing this for the last five years and I believe it really aids looking ahead with a positive mindset.  Journal your answers to these questions:

• What dreams came true in 2020?
• What lessons did you learn?
• I know myself more now because... ?
• Even though it was hard to go through, I learned a lot from _______.
• 2020 led me to ___________________ ?
• I was transformed by ___________________?
• I let go of ___________________.
• I am proud of myself for ___________________.
• The incredible thing I discovered about myself is _______________.
• Habits I want to stop ___________________.
• I am happy because ___________________.
• Write a page of gratitude, you can do it.
• Rant page: What do you need to write, journal, or rant about in order for you to clear your life of 2020 ___________________?

     

I will be journaling my responses to these questions on New Year's Eve.  My micro goal is to consistently write each day.  Some days maybe more overall words written than others, but if I write everyday, then I will complete more books this year.  Excellent.  I don't even have a set number of words, just write everyday. 

I hope this micro-goal setting inspires you and gives you a new perspective on goal setting.  Make it a small goal, not an entire lifestyle change.  

May this new year be a blessing to us all.

Here is a short video on Auld Lang Syne: what it means and where we got it from.

New Year

My reading has suffered again this week.  I do have a confession, I have been cheating...I have gotten sucked into a few urban fantasy novels and the mystery books have been neglected because of it.  I don't read fast enough to read both and review a mystery book each week...torn between two lovers and all that.  Confession is good for the soul :-)

With the new year comes the idea of a fresh start, and thus goals for making changes or attaining something, whether that is fitness, eating healthier, loosing weight, getting a promotion...or a job in this economy, or just being more positive.  Here is an idea that might appeal to some.  It is simple and has a great reward at the end.

52 Week Money Saving Challenge

This is from the Life as You Live It! Blog.

Save up for something really nice at the end of the year -- or money for gift giving next December.  Just pick something that you would normally never splurge on and seems slightly out of reach… then break it down however you like in terms of your weekly amount to save.  

Keep it realistic and all that remains is to watch your jar fill up and your goal become a reality.  This is great for all ages.  It teaches kids the concepts of budgeting and saving and it reminds us adults that we can splurge too by using a little delayed gratification (I know, I said it.)

Just get a big jar and print out the table to follow and check off and tape it to the outside with a pencil close for checking each week off.  You can find the templates on the blog (click here.)   Now, what would you like to save for?  I am thinking a vacation...but where should I go?

Variations on this theme could be to write on a slip of paper each week what you are thankful for to help you be more positive and mindful of the blessings in life.  Imagine reading 52 weeks worth of blessings at the end of the year!  Or a small token like an iTunes gift card / amazon card etc for each week you successfully workout 3x.  

If you have children at home, perhaps a jar just for the siblings to write a note each week to each other of what they appreciate about their brother/sister.  Or a couple could do this each week for what they appreciate about their loved one.  Let your imagination go and see what you come up with -- please share here so we can all gain from the ideas.  

If you would like to do some self improvement over the new year, but finances are tight check out MIT's class materials on line.  For the list of courses, click here and get ready to expand your world free.

 

I wish you a healthy and prosperous new year my virtual friends.