I'll start off by saying if anyone needs to add "lose weight" to their NYR list, it's me. But year after year, I make that very resolution and I'm left feeling like a complete failure in December. I know I'm not the only one. I decided I'm just totally leaving that one off the list this year.
If that is your only goal, I think making one small change every month is the way to go. In January, cut out soft drinks. In February, walk one mile everyday... and so on. Don't change everything all at once. You'll end up going five days eating zero carbs, almost killing yourself attempting Shawn T's "T-25," and then eating an entire bag of Cheddar Harvest Sun Chips and half of the questionably-still-fresh leftover cheesecake sitting in your fridge. Or maybe that's just me....
ANYWAY, as we waltz into this brand new year, I refuse to do the weight loss resolution dance that I've been doing for the past five.
I'm the type of person who starts out with wide eyes and sheer excitement in anticipation for the new year. I adore new beginnings. I love setting goals. There isn't a more perfect time to make a big change, as far as I'm concerned. In the past, I've always been like, "OMG! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm going to lose 100 pounds, stop cursing, be a better person, solve world hunger, go to church every time the doors open, write more, stop drinking diet Pepsi, go on a cruise, and change the world. Hashtag new year, new me."
OK, maybe that was an exaggeration. But it's not that far off, really. I do have LONG lists of hopes and dreams each year. I always end up disappointed.
I realized my problem is that I set nearly unobtainable goals. They're BIG and scary and I get overwhelmed. Then, I become disinterested.
Does anyone actually accomplish their new year goals?
Maybe there's someone out there... and kudos to that person! As for me, I throw my hands in the air by the end of January... By then, I've broken all the rules and regulations. I'm over it.
This got me thinking, what if we actually DID accomplish resolutions? What if I accomplish all my goals?
I think I would be a little bit happier at the end of the year. Setting smaller, obtainable resolutions will help set the tone for a fun, successful year!
I thought of 10 super simple resolutions that are fun and easy!
Write a few down and post the list on something you look at every day.
I'm keeping my own resolutions pretty simple this year. I'm focusing on numbers 1, 2, 5, and 9.
1. Be kind to yourself.
Make it a point this year to love yourself. You should love yourself no matter what. Love yourself even if you are packing a few extra pounds. Love yourself even if you said you weren't going to eat a second piece of cake, and you ate it. Love yourself even if you promised to stop smoking, but you just bought a new pack. STOP being a bully. Stop saying things about yourself that would offend you if someone else said them. Reward yourself. Pedicures, massages, or even a relaxing bath are simple things you can do. I'm my own worst enemy. I'm always talking about myself in a negative way and that has got to stop. This year, I'm going to stop calling myself a fatty. You should stop calling yourself names, too.
2. Develop a "Phone Fast Friday."
Or pick any day of the week and sit that phone down, even if it's just for one hour. I spend WAY too much time of my phone, like WAY WAY too much. It's amazing how refreshing just thirty minutes away can be. Actually talk to people at dinner, don't sit on your phone while it's charging, and leave your phone in the house sometimes. This one is going to be pretty tough for me.
3. Find a way to get moving that is actually fun.
You don't have to workout twice a day, every day. Don't even make that goal because it won't last. Decide this year, that you will find something you love and do that. Dance around your kitchen to your 5 favorite songs. Try a boxing class. Check out some workouts on Youtube. Find something you actually enjoy.
4. Go to that doctor's appointment you've been avoiding.
Or get a wellness checkup. It's not the most fun thing in the world, but it's necessary. There are yearly appointments that everyone has to do. Get it done early and you don't have to worry about it the rest of the year. Stay healthy, stay happy!
5. Get out of your comfort zone.
One of the best things you can do for yourself is step out of your comfort zone. That's where all the magic happens! It's pretty hard to do something you aren't comfortable with or something you've never done before. But that's the point! You might end up loving it. So, try a new food. Get up and dance at the party. Publish an article and share it with your Facebook friends. The possibilities are endless.
6. Promise to keep it positive on social media.
There's a time and a place for everything. I understand the occasional rant posts but I'm getting sick of seeing them every single day. There really is no need for hateful comments. Try to be nice and remember not to write anything you wouldn't say in person. Post inspiring quotes and pictures. Try not to complain all the time.
7. Smile at strangers.
There's a quote I really like that says something like: "Be kind to everyone because you never know what battle they are fighting." Yes, something like that! How true is that statement? It's crazy to think that some of the people we walk by on the street or in Walmart are going through the hardest time of their life. Maybe they have cancer. Maybe they just lost someone they love. You walk by lonely and hurting souls every day and never even know. Smiling at them can literally turn their day around. It takes zero effort on your part and it can really make a difference.
8. Read a book (or 10).
It absolutely blows my mind to hear about all the people in my life who just do not read. I understand how busy life gets, trust me I do. But reading is so good for you. It's also relaxing and enjoyable. Reading expands your vocabulary and opens you up to new ideas and experiences. Try to read one book this year that isn't required for school.
9. Go somewhere you've never been.
I'm obsessed with travel. I think it's so important to break free from everyday life. I've learned so many life lessons while traveling. It's just good for the soul. And there's a feeling you get by being in a new place that you can't find anywhere else. Even if you can't take a trip this year, eat at a new restaurant in town. Life shouldn't be spend doing the same exact thing over and over and over again.
10. Clean out that closet.
Does anyone else have the most obnoxious amount of clothes, yet wear the same five outfits every week? It's ridiculous and not necessary. Clean our your closet! You don't have to make a big deal about it. You can do the the "hanger flip trick." Turn all your hangers one way and as you wear them, flip them the opposite way. Donate the clothes that don't get flipped! That leaves more closet space for you and more clothes for Goodwill. Win win!
Happy 2016, y'all! I hope you make it the best year yet!