With
the New Year coming, there’s no shortage of advice about how to
make the most of 2014. But rather than getting bogged down with too many
suggestions, spend some time thinking about what is most important to you and
how to make that a priority in 2014.
Here are a few suggestions:
1.) Deal With Your Emotions
Maybe you have unresolved feelings of anger or bitterness towards a friend, family member, or coworker. If that’s the case, you should do everything within your power to rectify the situation. There’s nothing worse than entering a new year fraught with resentment and unresolved issues from the past year. So make a conscious effort to enter the new year with a fresh slate. Let go of any grudges or ill feelings you may be harboring towards others. Seek to be at peace with others and with yourself. Make your emotional health a priority. Go to counseling if you need to work through a few wrinkles from your past. Take a personality test to see what your strengths and weaknesses are, and how to channel them accordingly in the upcoming year. Speak up for yourself and be honest about what you really want. Be true to yourself and your goals, even if that means standing apart from the crowd. There’s nothing worse than living a life that isn’t true to who you are. So think about what you love and what you want in the upcoming year, and pursue it fearlessly.
2.) Make Specific Goals Instead of Vague Resolutions
According to Forbes, only 8% of people actually keep their New Years resolutions. So rather than spouting off a grandiose list of resolutions, sit down and write some explicit, tangible goals. People who make specific resolutions are 10 times more likely to keep the goals than people who don’t. So rather than just saying, “I want to lose weight,” write out a road map for how you’re going to do that. How often will you go to the gym? What type of exercise routine will you adhere to? How are you going to change your diet? Instead of saying, “I want to speak a foreign language,” enroll in a class, buy some books, and—if possible—find a friend to join you on the journey. The reason that most resolutions fail is because they’re too vague. So do yourself a favor by making firm, measurable goals that you can work on throughout the year.
3.) Spend Time With Those You Love
Commit to being with those you love, not just when you’re ringing in the new year, but at regular intervals throughout 2014. If you live far away from friends and family, buy plane tickets so that you can reunite with them throughout the year. Find creative ways to stay close, even if you’re far away. If you’re fortunate enough to live close to loved ones, make it a priority to live life alongside them: go to sporting events together, barbecue together, have them over for dessert and game nights. Find creative ways to show your loved ones that you appreciate them. Relationships are what give meaning to life, so be intentional about building and maintaining close ones.
Author Bio:
Kate McGillicuddy is an English teacher and travel writer.