Once Christmas is over, it’s time to prepare for the next festive holiday of the season – New Year’s. Whether you stay up until midnight to watch the ball drop or get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the New Year’s Day feast at your mom’s house, you’re probably going to decide what this year’s resolution should be. Instead of using last year’s resolution that you decided to ignore, why not come up with a realistic goal that you can keep up with year-round?
According to research from the University of Scranton, 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions and only 8 percent succeed in achieving them. Change these statistics this year by coming up with a resolution that can improve your lifestyle.
1. Lose weight
While losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, it’s also quite difficult to fully commit to, according to Health magazine. Anyone can join a gym and watch the way they eat, but one must have the right mindset to properly lose weight. Weight loss is possible, but don’t expect results overnight. Set yourself up for success by making realistic goals every month. Keep a food journal to keep track of what you are eating and make a schedule for fitness. Mark off the times you can’t dedicate to a workout so that you’ll know in advance when you’re available for gym time.
2. Learn something new
Make it your goal to learn something new by the end of the year. Not only can this create a new hobby, but you may find yourself making new friends along the way. Real Simple magazine suggested learning a new instrument, scrapbooking, taking up yoga or teaching yourself a new recipe to keep yourself from buying too much take-out this year. Take the pressure off of yourself by choosing one new hobby to follow through with and stick to it.
Teach yourself how to play guitar this year.3. Cut back on the alcohol
It’s safe to say that alcohol doesn’t have a very positive effect on your waistline, but did you know it can affect your complexion too? The Huffington Post sat down with Dermatologists Dr. David Colbert, Dr. Debra Jaliman and Dr. Jessica Krant, who all said alcohol consumption can dehydrate skin, cause premature aging and also contribute to swelling and bloating in your skin. While cutting back on the alcohol is good for your liver and weight, it can also work wonders for the look and feel of your complexion.
“Don’t forget to schedule some ‘me’ time.”
4. Use your calendar
Forbes suggested making it your goal to use your calendar more often this coming year. Not only will it help you manage yourself, but it will help you meet your deadlines, get you organized and help you prioritize your tasks. Don’t let your work life take over your planner – be sure to include family birthdays, hobbies and also some scheduled time dedicated to yourself.
5. Learn to say “no”
There’s nothing wrong with the desire to make everyone happy, but sometimes, you have to put yourself first. Make this New Year’s resolution the simple task of learning to say “no.” This will help you control how much time you spend dedicated to achieving tasks for your loved ones compared to how much is spent achieving your own goals. It can boost your self-esteem and kick the push-over label off of your back.
