Researchers estimate that less than a quarter of us will keep our resolutions, so why do we bother? The optimism of a fresh start?
The chance to change, improve and become the best possible version of ourselves? Midnight on New Year’s Eve is a line in the sand.
We leave behind any mistakes and failings from the past and we step into the future, with all its limitless potential.
But why do so many of us fail with our January resolutions… and some of us even before the Christmas decorations have come down! Personally, I believe we put too much pressure on ourselves; or we just feel too lazy, stressed, busy, tired, hungry, ill, upset, bored, or demotivated to make it happen today and then, by tomorrow, it’s too late – desire has beaten will, yet again.
So what are you going to do now to make sure you have your best year ever? What one thing will mean the difference in actually achieving your goals rather than chalking them up to yet another year’s unfulfilled resolutions? This life is yours to make of it whatever you desire, so start now.
Write your top 10 goals for this year and post them where you can see them Take time to write them down, once written they are not forgotten and there is great satisfaction in ticking them off, one at a time.
Find a volunteer opportunity at www.do-it.org You will be doing a great thing for someone else by giving up some of your time and you will feel very good about yourself once you do.
Schedule a regular monthly date night on your calendar with your partner Take turns in deciding what you do, where you go and don’t let anything stop the date night from happening. Even if you don’t have a lot of spare cash, a DVD and popcorn at home in candlelight with no children around can be very special!
Practice the One-a-Day principle You can’t please everybody all the time but you can do something extraordinary for someone each day. Find a customer, colleague, relative or a friend each day and do something remarkable. It will make your life remarkable too.
Plan a trip to a place you have always wanted to go. So many bespoke travel consultants out there to help you plan the trip you always dreamed of if you need inspiration.
Forget other people’s opinions Stop worrying about trying to please everyone. As Bill Cosby says, “I don’t know the key to success, but I know the key to failure is trying to please everybody”.
Take a dance or fitness class Or commit to other regular exercise, even if only walking more! You know you will be doing a good thing for your body and making your doctor happy too!
Stop smoking. You CAN do it, if you need help it is out there! Be in the right place to make it happen and you will NOT fail. I was a smoker since the age of 14 and only made one attempt to give up – when I really wanted to. And I am proud to be a non-smoker still 15 years later.
Make a commitment to eat more healthily this year. I find it doesn’t work to say you will give up a certain thing as it feels like you are depriving yourself. Better to say I will eat more of or less of something. More vegetables, less bread. More fruit, less juice. More brown, less white.
Get a whole new hairstyle or haircut. Good for your self-esteem, this can make you feel amazing, especially once you start getting the compliments! Even with my grey hair, I had a picture taken recently which almost 200 people liked on Facebook – and that made me feel great!!
Get a cleaner to do your housework and claim that time back. Yes I now run a domestic cleaning agency but before that I have always had a cleaner. I believe in doing the things you enjoy and I don’t enjoy doing housework, do you? Maid2Clean 0800 878 6388
Do something that scares you once in a while! Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Do something that scares you every day” but that may be just a bit too much!
Clean out your wardrobes/cupboards and donate unwanted clothes to charity. This will have the triple effect of (a) providing much needed items for sale for a needy cause, (b) clearing out the clutter (see my last article on Oosouji!) and (c) providing lots of new space – great excuse for the January sales!
Say “Yes” instead of “No” In this new year, we want to increase our possibilities, options and opportunities. When we say “no” to a business, social or community project, invitation or event, we are also saying “no” to the serendipitous benefits that arise. Rather than waiting for these events to present themselves, start today by actively seeking opportunities to meet people, gather new ideas, learn more, connect and share – nobody ever had too many friends!
Say “No” instead of “Yes” With 14 above in mind, do be wary of overloading yourself and causing undue stress on you and/or your family. Be realistic, you only have 24 hours in the day and 7 days a week. I learned the hard way that saying yes all the time leads to more people asking you to do things!
But are you doing the things you love the most? Be sure to delight in all the amazing aspects of your life. Be grateful for it. You only have one after all.
All the very best wishes for a successful and happy 2023 - Sue, Maid2Clean