As everyone is setting their goals for the New Year, I’ve noticed the insane amount of negative self-talk that fills peoples’ minds through negative New Year’s resolutions. While the New Year is an amazing time to set goals for ourselves, it’s also not an excuse to tear ourselves down, and deny ourselves the things that make us happy. Instead of using your New Year’s resolutions to focus on your flaws, here are some positive New Year’s resolutions that are worth keeping, because they help the already beautiful parts of yourself to stand out!
Some inspiration, courtesy of Doug the Pug:
1. Keep a Journal: Make a pledge to write down one thing each day that made you happy, that you enjoyed, or even a good deed that you noticed that day. Remembering the positive in your every day can motivate you to keep that positive attitude when things get tough.
2. Go "Naked": Post more "natural" pictures of yourself on your social media. This can mean going makeup free, not worrying about your outfit, or even just leaving the picture unfiltered before you post, and having the confidence to show off your beauty for the world to see!
3. Everything in Moderation: Dieting in the New Year? Instead of denying yourself the things that you love, try limiting your vices and treating yourself every once in a while. Only eat ice cream once a month, have Starbucks only once a week, or limit yourself to only having take out on special occasions. In the end, you're not only going to save your diet, but your wallet is going to thrive as well.
4. You Are Beautiful: Take the time to look at yourself in the mirror once a day, and tell yourself that you are beautiful. This may seem like a small feat, but remembering to love yourself allows you to have the confidence to love those around you with even more strength.
5. Volunteer in the New Year: Promise to volunteer at least once a month, if not more! Giving back isn't just for the Holidays!
6. Put Yourself Out There: At the next social event you attend, introduce yourself to someone you’ve never talked to before. You might just begin a wonderful friendship, and learn that YOU are worth getting to know!
7. New Year, New Closet: Spring Cleaning your resolution? Try to eliminate outfits by finding your favorites, and donating (or passing on to your fashion-forward roommate) the outfits you’re "just not that into” anymore
8. Keep it Positive: Make an effort to minimize and then completely erase any negative body-talk amongst you and your friends. We’ve all heard it; “She really looks awful,” “I hate my arms,” “Everyone wishes they were that skinny,” and the everyday snarking that tear apart your self-esteem and that of those around you.
9. Give 'Em A Grin: Smile at a stranger once a day. You could brighten someone's day with your bright grin and spread the love.
10. Share Your Strength: Be a mentor or a tutor to someone. You have strengths that need to be shared with the world, and mentoring or tutoring someone else is a great way to do that.
11. Treat Yo' Self: If budgeting is in your New Year goals, start a "treat fund" to reward yourself once a month to new shoes, saving up for that new car, or even a nice gourmet dinner for one.
12. Kick Some... : This year, try to find a form of exercise that you really enjoy and become a boss at it. Whether it's yoga, taking a self-defense class, spinning, or dance, master your activity, and find your exercise bliss!
13. Your Hit List: Every day, write down something you love about yourself. It might be a physical attribute, a skill, a goal you've reached, or something amazing you did in the office that day, but take the time to celebrate your strengths.
14. Express that Gratitude: Show everyone from a stranger to the people you love how much they mean through a heartfelt note, a call, a text, a simple thank you, or even holding a door for them.
15. Shy No More: Shy about staying your opinions? Be brave, and have a civilized conversation/debate about politics with someone who disagrees with you. This will help you articulate your opinion and inform you about what the other side thinks.
16. Take a Personal Day: Schedule a spa day for yourself, and go get pampered! It's healthy to have some alone time to re-invigorate and just celebrate yourself (with the help of an expert masseuse or a pedicure, of course).
17. Forgive and Forget: Reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or forgive a grudge that you've been holding over the past year. You're not only going to clear your conscience, you'll pave the way for healthy relationships in the New Year.
18. Surprise Your Taste Buds: Take a chance and try a food that you’ve never dared to try before, or try something you thought you hated before! You change and so do your taste buds, so be adventurous with your food, and it may inspire you to be adventurous in your everyday life!
19. Text them First!: Put your fears aside and make the first move! Make a goal to text the cutie you’ve been crushing on for a while, and show them your confidence is as beautiful as your personality.
20. Get Some Shut- Eye: Make sleep your priority in the New Year. Sleep will make you more energized, positive, and ready for the day ahead, and ready to take on the New Year with no fear!
And last but not least: When all else fails in your New Year quest, remember to stay positive, because you can make 2016 your best year yet!
