Ever notice how we all go crazy trying to have or set a New Year's Resolution? We decide to make these major life changing goals that amount to disappointment and frustration because after a while they are lost and we do absolutely nothing. Things like, losing weight, taking classes, starting to go to the gym, eating healthier, starting a business, these are all great resolutions but hardly ever kept for the new year. I know it all too well because I am guilty of making my list of "New Year's Resolutions" and not keeping it.
For 2017 my suggestion is this: Instead of having a New Year's Resolution, think about making small commitments with frequency. These small commitments will then develop into life changing habits that will alter your future for the better. They don't have to be big, they should be steady and consistent, you can begin with the end goal in mind - your ultimate accomplishment.
Here is my list, and I hope it inspires you to use it or create one of your own.
Make a conscious decision to eat something healthy (green) at least once a day. I don't mean green gummy bears or fruit snacks, I mean fruits or vegetables like spinach, green beans, carrots, apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, etc. You want to start conditioning your body to eat something fresh daily. Before you know you'll be going for that piece of fruit at breakfast and that nice chicken salad for lunch.
Take a walk daily. No matter what, get your body in motion, just walk for at least 10 consecutive minutes every single day. It doesn't have to be anywhere specific, to the store, to your neighbor's house, with the kids to the park, anything. Those 10 minutes will turn into an hour, and in time you will be walking a mile a day. It is amazing how walking daily can benefit the state of your mental and physical health.
Invest in your mind, read, read, read. I don't have the luxury to do this much myself, but at any given time I am reading 3-4 books. It may take me 6 months to finish them all but I am feeding my mind daily. I can't express how important it is to invest in your brain, and in yourself. Learning is the way we keep our mind alive, it is a way to relate to others and to our world. Instead of sitting in the couch watching television, take time to read that self-help book you have collecting dust in your bookshelf, or you may even want to get adventurous and read about the ancient Greeks or try to find out what is the purpose of the ball on top of a flagpole?...and yes, there is a purpose.
Books are a hidden treasure and wisdom...well, I'll let my favorite Bible scripture do the describing:
Proverbs 3:13-18New International Version (NIV)
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
Need I say more?...And finally
Do not waste time. Don't be so liberal with your time, think about what preoccupies you. Don't spend all your time organizing and planning your life instead of living it. LIVE life enjoy it and move towards your goals whatever those may be. Make your time count, don't allow others to waste it. Think, do and put into action your ideas and passions. Stop doing the things you hate, all those unnecessary things that chip away at your time.
- Don't get sucked into social media. Get off your phone / IPad unless you're using them to produce actual measurable results that lead towards your goal.
- Stop dwelling on past mistakes. Learn from them and be wise next time. Worrying will get you nowhere.
- Stop hanging out with negative people. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with, so look around you!
In the origin of species, the one that survives is not the strongest, smartest or most intellectual, but the one who can adapt, change, and adjust. Don't go through a day in 2017 without a plan, adjust your schedule to fit all those great things you want to do towards your goal. Eat healthier, exercise your body, your mind, and be wise. Remember small, daily goals will lead to big successes as you go through this new exciting new year, so get ready because IT'S TIME! I wish you the best!
