By: Molly Weisner
While you’re likely to ditch the momentary zeal regarding your resolution, here’s to preventing your goals from being packed away with the Christmas decorations once again.
“Hello New Year, Bye-Bye Weight” One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to work away the pot-belly acquired from the numerous feasts that characterize the holiday season. In fact, this is such a common resolution that many gyms and fitness centers offer membership deals after the holidays to those who want to shape up. However, if getting to an actual workout facility is not in your schedule, opt to slowly replace one meal a day with fresh and dark leafy greens. The key to sticking with the weight-loss resolution is to ease into healthful living, rather than burning out after a week of intensive dieting and cardio.
“I’m going to become fluent in Italian this new year.” You know what they say: there’s no time like the present, especially when it comes to learning. For years you’ve been meaning to communicate with your distant Italian family, but you don’t know the language. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook a five-course meal all by yourself. Now is the time! Not only is learning something new filled with interesting surprises and a worthwhile product, you may find yourself with a new favorite hobby or group of friends. Start with some basic research about something that interests you and see where it takes you. Rule of thumb– Don’t give up.
“My wallet will thank me this new year. Time to spend responsibly.” Contrary to what you may think, money management is not just for adults and homeowners. Impulsive buyer syndrome affects those of all ages. Resolve to split your paycheck in half; one part for savings and the other part to spend freely. Once you resolve to think more consciously about where your money goes, you’re guaranteed to make smarter choices.
“I work too much. Resolving to spend more time with my family this year.” The hustle and bustle of the holiday season makes it easy to forget that the best gift of all can’t be advertised on Black Friday or wrapped up in ribbon. Cliché, yet true. If you’re resolving to spend time with family and friends, remember that what you do with them does not have to be extravagant. Organize something simple, like a family movie or board game night or take a walk around your neighborhood together after dinner. Ask your friends to meet somewhere for lunch to catch up or just invite them over for a pizza-night-in. What’s great about this resolution is it’s not just for reconciling the relationship gaps during the holidays, but also year round. You may find that you’re spending more time on your phone or working late than building memories. Either way, don’t be bitter about it, just make a change!
“Nothing says ‘Happy New Year’ like a brand new agenda. Organization here I come!” You don’t have to be an obsessive compulsive neat-freak to be organized. Whether it’s school, work or home, integrating structure and order into your lifestyle makes you much more likely to get work done at least somewhat willingly. Your first step to organization is to purchase a calendar, agenda or even a “To-Do List” app. By keeping track of the date, you’ll know how long you have for deadlines and can better remain ahead of your daily schedules. Plus, an app on your phone is both user-friendly, efficient and easy to carry around. Regardless of whether you think you’re neat or not, it’s something anyone can become better at and you have all the resources you need.
January first is on its way, and if you follow this list, soon you’ll be one of the 46% of Americans who kick off the New Year with promises to be happier, healthier and more involved.
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