Unsure where to start in selecting a New Year’s Resolution? Check out these common goals in three categories: health-related, financial, and personal-growth. Plus, a few tips on how to get started with them.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Health
Lose weight: This is the most popular New Year’s Resolution, yet it’s often the hardest to accomplish. The main reason is that people tend to take overly drastic measures. Try to make small steps towards your goal and don’t expect instant results.
Eat healthier: Many people want to eat healthier. Rather than cutting out a food group or choosing a restrictive diet, look at one or two places where you can improve. Try reducing sweet treats or cooking more at home.
Exercise: Find an exercise routine that works for you! Going to the gym can be daunting, but workout classes make it easier. Make sure to take a beginner class and remember that exercising is for people of all shapes and sizes.
Quit smoking: Many people want to quit smoking. Smoking is a bad habit: it is associated with lung disease, heart disease, and premature death. It’s no wonder people resolve to quit! With any addictive substance, quitting will be hard. Make sure you have someone to hold you accountable!
Drink less alcohol: Alcohol is a huge part of most people’s social lives. Grabbing a drink, drinking with dinner, wine night, etc. However, it is associated with a variety of health risks. It makes sense that people would want to cut down.
Though many people participate in “dry January,” it’s just as good to slowly cut down all year. Replace going to the bar with going to the movies, trust me, it will be just as fun.
Financial
Save Money: Financial goals are important in the long term. However, this goal can require more planning. Review your finances. How much are you usually making and spending every month? Once you assess that, slowly see where you can save money.
Get Out of Debt: Debt can be a huge weight on your shoulders. Student debt, loans, and credit card debt all add stress to daily life. Determine how much money you can realistically put towards your debts, and stick to it. Even if that means cutting down on expensive coffees and going out to eat.
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Personal-Growth
Learn a new skill: Many people go into the new year hoping to gain a new skill. Learning a new language, how to play an instrument, or how to knit are all great goals that can be easily achieved with practice.
Ensure that you have time to practice your skill every week (or day, if you can!), and by the end of the year, you’ll have something to be proud of.
Get organized: A planner, calendar, or digital scheduling app are great way to get organized in the new year. Getting organized will reduce stress and help in achieving other goals that you have for the year.
Check out what Googoosh learned from the books she held closest here!
Read more: Many people say that they don’t read enough, but would like to read more, so this is a common resolution. The first step towards this goal is finding a book that you just can’t put down. Once you’re hooked on the story, you’ll be reading for hours!
No matter what your resolution is, there is no better way to get started than to simply begin! Embrace progress over perfection and visualize the better, happier future you. Remember, setbacks are natural. Celebrate the small wins. You got this!
