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better habits

New Year – Better Habits

It’s that time of year when people make their resolutions for the coming year. According to Merriam-Webster, people have been making (and breaking) resolutions since the 17th century. The History Channel gives the ancient Babylonians credit as the first people to make New Year’s resolutions. They are the first recorded people to hold celebrations in honor of the new year. 


This is why gyms try to push that annual membership around this time of year. They know that for about 2 weeks they will be flooded, then the big crowd will die down. But if you don’t show up and you already paid for that year’s membership… 


So what is a better plan than making a bunch of resolutions? 


Too often, we charge in when it would be better to assess where we are first. It's painful to look back to see our mistakes and shortcomings. And yet, it’s the best way to determine what we need to do to change our lives. Before you prepare to start the new year with loads of new resolutions and goals, take some time to reassess your life in these different areas.


Self-reflection can be difficult, but it is a necessary part of making lasting change. Now it's time to plan. You have a dream that is screaming to be brought to life. Lay out how to make it happen. Write your dream(s) and goals. When you're developing your plan, pay special attention to your habits. Better habits are what will make this an incredible year.

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Photo by 胡 卓亨 on Unsplash

Most of the world sees a new year as a time to make massive changes in their lives. It’s the daily choices that we make that lead to lasting change. That’s why New Year’s Resolutions are so ineffectual. This year, you can start and finish strong by making better choices each day. Here are some tips for making sure this is your best year ever. 


Break It Down

Whether you want to save for a dream home, start a business or get healthier, you need to recognize it’s going to take time. Our desire for instant gratification can lead us to give up before we even really get started pursuing our goals. Chose the one big thing you want to have by the end of the year and then break down the steps you’ll need to take to make it happen. Then break them down even further. Come up with small tasks that you can complete daily in only 10-30 minutes. That will not only help you see the goal as a journey (so you don’t give up too soon), but it also makes the goal easier to tackle.

Track Your Time

We’re all busy. But many people use busyness as an excuse for keeping the status quo, even when they say they want to change. One simple way to find “wasted time” in your schedule is to track it. For at least three days, keep track of what you do all day long. You can use an app, spreadsheet, or a simple notepad to keep track. Once you are aware of how you use your time, you can choose to reallocate any you deem as "wasted" to other tasks like to research career programs, enjoy a hobby, or spend more time with family. Whatever your goal is this year, choosing to spend your time working on it each day will make sure you end the year where you want to be. 


Redesign Your Life

Most of us sleepwalk through life more often than we care to admit. If you want to live a happier, more fulfilling life, take stock of what makes you happy. What brings you joy and makes you feel alive? Now, redesign your life to make sure those things are a part of it. Look back at your time-tracking list (from above). What obligations and expectations can you change or delete entirely, so you live a life full of joy and purpose. Make a conscious decision to choose to live life to the fullest every day.

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Sometimes, making changes you want to see in your life feels nearly impossible. It takes a willingness to step outside your comfort zone to make significant changes that will transform your world. If you want to start your year out right, these subtle changes can be the beginning of a happier, healthier life.


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Author

  • Angel Lewis

    Hello there! I'm Angel, an entrepreneur and writer who grew up in rural North Carolina and now resides in Virginia. My love for writing began during my time at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Over the past couple of years, I've authored two nonfiction books in the personal development genre. Along with writing for adults, I also created 'Ready. Set. Fly!', a children's book that inspires self-confidence and resilience. When I'm not writing, I enjoy gardening, reading, playing games, and spending time with those closest to me.

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