It's that time of year again. Moments ago, I got off the phone with a good friend of mine, who told me about her New Year's resolution to worry less and enjoy more. It sounded like a great resolution to me... but it made me realize that I hadn't yet made any of my own. Maybe you've already made your resolutions for the year ahead. Or perhaps, like me, you're waiting until the right resolutions come along. While New Year's resolutions don't have a great reputation of success, it doesn't hurt to make them. That is, unless you set unrealistic goals that sap you of hope instead of filling you up.
Below, you'll find our list of the Top Ten New Year's Resolutions, and how to make them the right way.
10. Relax and Enjoy
And isn't this the best New Year's resolution of them all? We all need to take more time to disconnect from the stress of bills and work and responsibilities and remember why we do all of those things in the first place: to make our lives better. No matter what your other goals may be, try to make quality time with yourself and those you love a priority. Because if you remind yourself of what you're working for in the first place, the stress in your life will be that much easier to bear.
9. Be more Spiritual
When times are tough, as they were in 2008, it makes sense to get in touch with our more spiritual sides. Whether you want to attend church more often, take up meditation, or simply spend time figuring yourself out, there are very few resolutions more worthy than this one. Figure out what your spiritual goals are, and then take simple, easy-to-take steps to reach them. Don't push yourself too hard too fast.
8. Get a Better Job
2009 will probably not be the best year to look for a new job. Although finding better work might be tricky, it will also be particularly rewarding in this difficult financial climate. Come up with a list of what you want to change about your job or your company, and set about your job hunt just as you would any other difficult project: with organization and persistence.
7. Organize Your Life
For some people, organization comes naturally. Lucky you! If, however, you're like me, the end of each holiday season brings with it an avalanche of papers to sort and work to do and errands to take care of. Want to get organized in 2009? Sit down and make a list of what needs to be done, and what each thing's priority is. Then create a system for keeping those things organized and done... and try to make it one you can stick to.
6. Cut Spending and Save Money
With the economy taking a nose dive and financial belts tightening all over the world, there's no time like the present to trim down your spending and build up your savings if you can. Set a goal for how much you plan to save, and where you can cut. Then do your best to stick with it.
5. Live Greener
The environment is changing, and mostly for the worse. Whether to save the trees we love or the money we need, most of us are becoming more and more aware of green concerns. To be greener in 2009, write down a list of small ways in which you can change your habits. Start small, and work your way up from there. We have plenty great green ideas in our Green Articles section.
4. Work Out
For me, the New Year arrives and along with it comes a whole list of workout routines and schedules I plan to keep. Getting fit is important, but be sure to start off slow and keep to a pace you can follow for the long term. For most of us, the moment we feel we're getting in over our heads, we bail on our fitness goals. So start slow, and build up from there.
3. Quit Smoking or Drinking
Especially after the incredible excess of the holiday season, the idea of cutting down or quitting your bad habits might seem attractive, even easy. While it's a good idea to limit the things you know are bad for you, be sure you go in with your eyes open. Don't expect the new year to keep your cravings at bay. If you don't make a set plan, you shouldn't expect to succeed.
2. Find Love
This one is probably why you're here at Datepad in the first place, right? If you feel like you've been on your own too long, bringing your single status to an end may be high on your list of resolutions. While it's good to have goals and keep using internet dating and meeting people, don't allow the new year to put too much pressure on love. It'll come at its own time, and while you can work at it, you need to remember to be patient, too.
1. Lose Weight
This was also one of the top resolutions of 2008, and will be, of course, for years to come. We all know that maintaining a healthy weight is critical for our long-term health. It also makes us look and feel better about ourselves. This resolution tends to be quickly broken, however-- sometimes the goal seems too big to be reached. Along with "lose weight," be sure to set positive, reachable goals such as "eat at least two extra fruits or vegetables a day."
Happy New Year everyone. We wish you all the best with your resolutions for 2009.
Soapy
30 / Male
Comments: 3
Posted on January 6, 2009, 2:28 am
Everyone wants to "lose weight" but thats only a temporary resolution because we all ate too much damn turkey. After I lose my weight, I always re-resolute to "eat more turkey".
