The point of making a New Year’s Resolution is to improve yourself and or your lifestyle. On average, it takes more than two months before a new behavior becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. For those making resolutions in 2016, understand that it will be at least two months before your resolution becomes habit. Here’s a list of the top New Year’s resolutions for 2016:
SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, reflect that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends. When I was young we would gather at my grandparents for Sunday dinner. It was a lovely way to end the week. But times were different – we didn’t have weekends of soccer or other sports. Sundays were for church and dinner with the family. Families were larger and I had lots of cousins to play with. But if you really want to spend more time with family and friends, start small; you can easily commit to Sunday dinner (or other activity) the first Sunday of every month.
EAT HEALTHY, LOSE WEIGHT, EXERCISE
This is another goal that can easily be achieved in baby steps. Pick one day of the week to take a long walk, hike, bike ride, etc. Or commit to just one day at the gym or Pilates. You can multi-task and volunteer to dog walk at Westside German Shepherd Rescue once a week. Try one new healthy recipe each week, one of my favorites is a chicken recipe from Jamie Oliver. I alter it with chicken thighs, add leaks, fresh spinach and serve with whole wheat pasta.
SAVE MONEY, PAY OFF CREDIT CARDS, MAKE INVESTMENTS
Find an easy way to save money. Perhaps you begin your morning buying a coffee. I have never understood this… I would not want to wait in line for a cup of coffee. I buy Starbucks brand and brew my coffee at home. Groceries are expensive, but I remember my mom planning her weekly menus from the grocery stores’ weekly specials. Saving money takes time, and patience. Pack a lunch to work once a week and eat at your desk. You can call client retention departments at your cable company, newspaper subscriptions, etc. and often obtain lower rates.
IMPROVE TIME MANAGEMENT
When my daughters were young, it was difficult to manage my time. After I tucked them into bed, I would return client’s calls and emails; this was also my time to plan the week. Time management begins with proper planning and ends with learning to say “no”. Don’t take on more than you can handle.
VOLUNTEER, GIVE MORE TO CHURCH AND OR CHARITIES
Not all of us have the time to volunteer. When your children are young, it’s certainly hard to carve out more hours in the day. Now that mine are grown, I have time to make up for the years, I didn’t have much time to make a difference. When the timing is right (you aren’t taking from your family), give back to others.
Other Common New Year’s Resolutions for 2016 include:
Reduce stress
Be less angry
Find a better job
Learn something new
Watch less television
Improve social skills
Find new friends
Become less dependent
Get married and/or start a family
But my top resolution for 2016 is for all of us to simply be kinder.
