New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! January is usually a great time for new beginnings, planning, organizing and setting New Year’s Resolutions. Most resolutions are promises to achieve better health by exercise or eating better as well as promises to act kindly or even to learn something new, like a language.

According to USA.GOV, here is a list of popular resolutions:

Lose Weight Volunteer Quit Smoking Get a Better Education Get a Better Job Save Money Get Fit Eat Healthy Food Manage Stress Become Debt Free

To learn a new skill or adapt to a new behavior, you need to experience it daily for at least 21 days. However, some studies suggest that it could take up to more than 200 days to develop your new habit.

Here are some key things to remember if you are planning on making your list this year: 1.Before you complete your list, make the decision to stick with it 100%. 2.You must have accountability, so share your list with your friends or family members. 3.It is important to track your new habit pattern by noting your successes and failures. 4.Be sure to come up with your personal rewards. Positive consequences are very important for keeping up with a new habit, especially if it is a healthy one!

For many years, I have been that person who created a list of new habits like spending more time with family, reading more, seeing friends more, exercising, eating healthier, etc. This year, I am not going to create a list! Instead, I will come up with one word that will help me throughout my family life, career and personal endeavors. Throw out the list and think of your one word that can positively influence you in all your daily activities! What word will you choose?