New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keep
Content originally published for The Merit Club
How often do you hear someone ask, "so what are your New Year's resolutions for this year" to be met with a groan or an eye-roll? Or, how often have you said you'll commit to something, only to put it out of your mind a week later? Here are six resolutions I’ve come up with that you can actually keep. No fees, no expensive gyms, no exotic locations needed. Just you, and a mindset for the New Year.
CLEAR OUT
In order to move into the New Year with a fresh head space and an invigorated perspective, have a clear out. It's easy to build up clutter, unwanted clothes, extra things we just don't need in our lives. Re-asses and work out what you actually use. Get rid of the rest. You'll feel so much better for it, you can appreciate what you do have, you can find things you've forgotten about, and work out what new things you'll need with a clear mindset.
ENJOY
For many people, January is a quieter month where we are more inclined to hibernate and recuperate after the craziness of December’s festivities. So if you’re looking for things to do, why not spend the time figuring out what you're missing from your day-to-day life, and what it really is that you enjoy. As we discovered at The Merit Club when looking at the Neuroscience of boredom, boredom can actually be incredibly valuable. So use it. Work out what it really is that makes you happy and make a resolution to schedule it into your life.
GOALS
It's hard to find time to properly think in the present, let alone think ahead. It's this time of year that we can work out what our goals really are. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Where would you like to be living? Who would you like to be living with? What kind of job would you like? Or maybe no job at all? Create a vision. And for your resolution, believe in it.
SPEAK OUT
My resolution for the New Year is to speak out more. Enough of being silent or hiding what you really feel. Let's shout about it. Or, at the very least just stick up for what we really think. It can be easy to nod in agreement with someone to avoid an argument, but what would happen if you just took that risk and said what you felt... maybe there'll be a tumbleweed, maybe a raised eyebrow... but what's the worst that could happen? You know what... someone is likely to agree with you and wish they'd said it first!
POSITIVITY
This is the year to be positive. Life can be stressful, life can be hectic, we can't predict what will happen, and we'll face curve balls. Yet, with the right mindset, problems can be that bit easier to process and fight our way through. Enough with the negative energy. One resolution you can make right now, without any obstacle, is to be positive, whatever may be in your way.
SMILE
Smiling really does make you feel better. Even if it's forced. And not only mentally, but it can improve your physical health too. Your body relaxes when you smile, and in turn it contributes to a stronger immune system. Scientists have also discovered that it's biologically harder for your face to frown - with 53 muscles in contrast to just 5 when you're smiling! So spread a contagious smile and see what positivity you attract back.
Enough with unrealistic goal setting and unnecessary pressure. If you’re going to set yourself a resolution for this year make it something achievable and enjoyable. Over and out 2018 and hello new opportunities, new discoveries and a whole new energy.