To me, New Year’s resolutions seem forced and trivial. Personally, if I feel like I need to make a change in my life, I don’t wait until New Year’s to do so. If something is THAT important at the time, I do it then. However, the difference between New Year’s resolutions and the immediate life changing decisions we face daily have one important distinction– one is abrupt, and the other is gradual.
I think the main reason why a lot of New Year’s resolutions don’t last is because many times, these life changing decisions are obligatory and superfluous. Resolutions should be achievable and time-bound. Similar to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, these goals should not be sudden, but achieved over time. You are more likely to achieve your goals if you set a time for yourself rather than pushing it aside because of the lack of time sensitivity. Keep in mind that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to solely be personal. Setting specific resolutions in to play can help you succeed in your business, as well!
If you’re still struggling with some New Year’s resolutions and would like to hear some of my personal goals I have chosen to better establish this year, then keep on reading. Don’t forget that everyone’s goals are different and yours should be specific to you!
- Learn to listen
- I think one of the biggest mistakes I make at times is not truly listening to what others have to say. It’s easy to put up your guard and get defensive over something and shut the other person out. Learning to listen to what others have to say before arguing or trying to make your point will save time, and in the end, others will appreciate you more for listening to them. I guarantee that things will be more effective if you do. Communication is key!
- Write about your feelings
- Before you write this one off, think about it. It’s not healthy to keep things bottled up inside. If you get in an argument with someone or if someone hurts you, letting it out will help you to feel better about yourself and will help with closure. Sure it won’t change the situation, but it will help you to open up about it and it will also help you from saying things you could regret later.
- Take the time to organize
- This is probably the most important thing I have learn from my time in high school that I have continued to practice throughout my time in college. Organization of your personal and financial life is so important. Not only will it help you to be prepared for important dates or events in your life, but it will help you to put into play the time-sensitive goals in your life so that they don’t sneak up on you and hit you by surprise. Employers will see your organization skills and it will help you to have a leg-up on others.
- Take time for yourself and designate an electronics-free zone
- We are constantly consumed my media and although it is a great thing at times, we do need a break. I make it a point to never take my phone or computer with me before bed. It has been proven that staring at the artificial light from your electronic device messes with the chemicals in your brain that helps to promote sleep. Not only that, but by taking time out of your day for yourself will help you to better stay connected and not feel like a zombie every day from the constant emails and texts. Make sleep a priority and personal time a necessity.
- Learn something new
- Now is the time to learn that new language you have been thinking about trying. It could also be the perfect time to master Microsoft Excel or InDesign. These skills are invaluable to business and with technology changing constantly, you will be able to apply your skills to the growing demand in these areas. You can also set aside time to play brain games that will help you to stay sharp. My favorite is Sudoku!
- Share your ideas with others
- Two (or in this case, many) are better than one? Teamwork makes the dream work? You’re only as strong as your weakest link? Okay, I think you get my point. But in all seriousness, working as a team helps to get the job done faster. Sharing your ideas with others can help to spark new ones, and will help you to reflect on the old ones. When I said that communication is key, I was referring to the idea that knowing what others are thinking or feeling will help you to better strategize what needs to be done or changed. Like they say, you know what assuming does. ????
