After 29 years on this earth (leave me alone, I can be 29 if I want to be;-)) You would think I could create New Year Resolutions that last beyond the first 15 days of January. For most of us, creating lasting resolutions continues to be a challenge. As the years pass, I tend to feel more pressure to accomplish the goals I have in life. After all, according to so-called “experts,” we can’t stay 29 forever. But, what happens when we fail to hit the goals or resolutions that we set for ourselves? See if these feelings ring true for you: defeat, guilt, sadness, feeling overwhelmed, or disappointed. Let’s be honest…who likes to feel those? Want some good news though? You and I can make successful lasting changes this year! Check out one of my past blogs on5 simple tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions! Now here are some common resolutions that will change your life this New Year:
Improve Your Physical Health
This one resolution seemingly makes everyone’s resolution list for the new year. Now, I’m no bodybuilder or personal trainer, but I think there are a few things we can all agree will help us feel better physically. One is to drink more water. Doesn’t that sound like an attainable goal? Improve your physical health by creating sustainable resolutions like drinking half your body weight in fluid ounces of water a day. Research shows that drinking more water can also help you lose weight, help physical ailments (like headaches), and improve overall function. Water can do all that? Wow! Sign me up. There are lots of other ways to make resolutions that will change your and your health, but the important thing is “take a small step to make a change, and then build on that.” I think frustration sets in when we make these huge commitments that are not realistic as starting goals. Win the small battles first. Next thing you know, the war will be won also.
Improve Your Mental Health
Add more tools to your “coping toolbox.” I frequently ask clients, what coping strategies they like to use. The most common responses I get are “I don’t know,” “I don’t have any,” or “I try to just relax.” While trying to relax is a good start, what does that look like? Improve your mental health by finding new ways to cope with life’s little daily stressors. Perhaps try a new hobby, exercise, journal, meditate, do deep breathing, or play an instrument – there are so many options! Try making a list of 10 things you want to try and work from that to get started.
Improve Your Relationships
Get a “relationship check-up”. Every relationship has ups and downs. We all have high points and low points. Chances are it has been a while since you and your partner have sat down together and spent “intentional time” strengthening your friendship, improving your communication, or deepening your love and connection. Something doesn’t have to be wrong to seek out couples counseling – try it out before things go wrong. It’s much easier to work on small things before they become big problems. You cannot unexplode a bomb! Once the damage is done, the repair costs tend to be much higher. That’s exactly what therapists are there for – to help you get out of the cycles that are causing the stress and tension and move into ones that make you both feel better about yourself and each other.
I work with some of the best relationship experts in the country at FTAJ. Learn about our team and schedule a “relationship check-up” today. Let us help you start the year from a good place, with practical goals you and your partner can work towards in the new year.
Decrease Your Financial Stress
Everyone can benefit from improvements in their finances. Do yourself a favor and set a budget for the new year. Start taking responsibility for your earnings. Every dollar you make should be set aside for a purpose. Look, I love to spend on nice or fun things as much as the next gal, but no other entity or individual gets a shiny nickel until I set aside for #1 my tithe, #2 my retirement/future investments, and #3 for my financial commitments. This year commit to living within your means and put something aside for your future. Adopt a cash budget. Check out daveramsey.com and his Financial Peace program. One of the very best things you can do is to save yourself and your loved ones from future financial burdens. Small changes financially in 2020 can pay major dividends for you and your loved ones in 2040! Make the changes necessary this year to make your next year stronger financially.
The best part about New Year’s resolutions is that they come every year. There is a good chance you may struggle to make some of your commitments, and that’s ok. When it comes to improving your life, the expectation is not to be perfect. No one is perfect and you shouldn’t expect yourself to be. Just be committed to taking baby steps to your better future. Tomorrow you’ll find yourself facing an even better 2021 too. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. What you learn from those setbacks just might be your setup for a better future. What are your New Year’s resolutions for the new year?
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