I'm a little tired of the same ol' New Year's resolutions of losing weight, getting fit, blah blah blah. Nothing against health, but if you want to put a new spin on a new year, I have some ideas for you!
The best tip to stay on track for the year is to take that big resolution and break it down into smaller, monthly goals. If you'd like to
make a big change to your home decor in 2012, for example, resolve to add one item to your home per month that shows off your new style. Make a piece of art, enlarge and frame a photograph, or repaint an old dresser or chair. Check out
www.pinterest.com for ridiculously-addicting ideas to get you started! Focusing on just one project a month gives you attainable goals and a sense of accomplishment. By year's end, your home will have more personality, and be a better reflection of you!
Resolve to
spend more time with your family. That's a good one, but pretty vague. Take that idea and turn it into a monthly date of one-on-one time with your spouse or children. A great way to have a standing date is to make it on the monthly anniversary of that person's birthday. My son was born on June 15th, 1995, so I'd make a standing date to spend special time with him, even for just an hour or so, on the 15th of every month. However, if you did the math, you'd know he's 16 years old. Spending his time with Mom is pretty near last on his list...in fact, I'm sure it doesn't even show up on his list. However, this will work great with my husband and 2 younger children, and maybe my firstborn will come around!
How about setting aside technology and resolve to
write some old-fashioned letters this year? I think we'd all agree that a handwritten card or letter is one of life's little pleasures you can easily give for just a few minutes of your time and the cost of a stamp! Set some time aside once a month to write (at least) one card or note. Keep a standing date with yourself on the first of every month, the last day of every month, or the monthly date of your own birthday! Thanks for what you do, thinking of you, birthday wishes...any of these are sure to be appreciated. Pick up some stationery, cards, stamps, a nice pen, and a greeting card organizer so you're prepared. Sit down with a steaming cup of coffee or tea and spend a couple of minutes letting someone in your life know they're appreciated!
Resolve to
learn something new in 2012! Ever wish you knew how to knit a scarf, play the piano, speak Italian, fix your computer, or build a flower box? Take a class, read a book, ask a friend, or research online. However you choose to learn, simply devote time to your interest. With access to the internet, there's really no excuses. Make it a goal to learn one thing you've always wanted to know, no matter how small or how large it is, every month. If some things take longer than a month, great! You may have stumbled on a new passion. Keep going!
Whatever you decide to tackle to make this year your best year, keep at it, and keep track of it! Jot notes on your dailiy calendar or in a special little journal or notebook. This not only helps you be accountable to yourself, but it gives you a way to look back and see how much you actually did accomplish towards your goals. Ring in the new year with confidence and a plan. Happy 2012!
