Change can happen in an instant. Every little choice we make throughout the day moves us closer to or further away from our goals. But for many, it’s easier to start on Monday. Or next month. Or on January 1st. The beginning of a new year (and a new decade!) feels like a fresh start, which is just one of the many reasons that setting New Year’s resolutions is such a popular tradition.
I created this guide, which is in no way comprehensive, to help anyone who may be stumped setting their resolutions this year. I encourage us all to think about our behavior, how we feel and how we show up in the world. What do you want more of? What do you want to be different?
Here are a few ideas to help you brainstorm:
Mental & Physical Health
Eat more fruit & veggies, less red meat & processed food
Start a new exercise routine
Schedule a physical with your primary care doctor, see your dentist, get your eyes checked
Start flossing
Drink more water, fewer sugary drinks
Start attending therapy
Start a regular meditation practice
Create a better sleep routine
Financial Wellness
Make a plan to start paying down debt
Open a savings account and start making regular deposits
Contribute to your retirement plan
Meet with a credit counselor or a financial planner
Create a budget that you can stick to
Cancel automatic deductions for subscriptions you don’t need
Personal Growth
Start a regular gratitude practice
Begin journaling
Face one of your fears and start taking small steps to conquer it
Do something you’ve never done before, extra points if it’s outside of your comfort zone
Spend some time alone, in silence
Think about your 5 year plan and start taking action steps
Spend less time on your phone
Relationships
Apologize to someone
Be the first one to reach out to someone you’ve lost contact with
Learn to say “no” and not to apologize for it
Start setting more healthy boundaries
Tell someone how you feel, ask for what you need, and be direct
End relationships that you’ve outgrown or where you’re being taken advantage of
Take a risk and ask someone out
Be vulnerable with someone
Recreation
Make having fun a priority
Try out a new hobby, even if you don’t know yet if you’ll like it
Travel somewhere you’ve never been before
Schedule time to spend with people who make you happy
Explore the city you live in
Take a class or learn a new skill
If improving your emotional health, relationships or habits is one of your goals for the new year, schedule an appointment with me today. I can help you make 2020 your best year yet!