There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with a plan for self improvement. We can accomplish this by making and keeping some resolutions. Probably the most common New Year’s resolution for many of us over the years has been to get in better shape by eating healthier and exercising more. That’s a great resolution, but we don’t always keep it. Oftentimes we set unrealistic goals for ourselves and end up giving up in a month or two. It’s sometimes better to set smaller goals that may be easier to achieve. Setting monthly goals may help you to keep your resolutions for the entire year and develop great habits that may improve your life. Here are some resolutions that just may make you a bit happier this year.
January – It’s time to pay down your credit card bills
We all overspend during the holidays and end up with a stressful mountain of bills to deal with in January. A great resolution to start the year is to work on paying off your debt this month. You may have to tighten your belt a bit for a few months, but you’re sure to feel better once it’s paid off.
February – Make time for a friend you haven’t seen in awhile
You can cheer both yourself and a friend up with a visit or a call. Is there someone you wish you had more time for? If so, make some time this month. It’s even better if you reach out to someone who may be a bit lonely or sad.
March – This is a great month to volunteer
There are so many worthwhile organizations that need our help. Whether it’s your local SPCA, soup kitchen, non-profit children’s organization or a national charity, donate some of your time this month. It can be as easy as giving blood at a Red Cross blood drive, volunteering to read to a child or spending the afternoon delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.
April – De-clutter your home or apartment
If you’re like me, you’ve built up a winter full of junk that’s just sitting around taking up space. This is the perfect month to toss out what you don’t need. Go through your closets and fill bags to donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Your clutter may be someone else’s treasure!
May – It’s time to earn something new
Is there something new you’d love to learn? Take a cooking class, begin to learn a language, take a photography class, try a new exercise class or try a craft. Local community colleges, craft stores, art shops and fitness centers offer a wide variety of personal enrichment classes. You’ll not only learn something new, but you’ll also make friends with similar interests.
June – Start a journal
The beginning of summer is a great time to start a journal. This is the month to begin to write down your thoughts each day. Who knows, it may even lead to blogging. It’s a great way to remember the positive things that happen every day and also something that can eventually be handed down to children and grandchildren. Begin by chronicling your summer fun.
July – Plan an adventure this month
What’s on your bucket list? Run a 5 K or half marathon, try waterskiing, hiking or if you’re really brave, skydiving. Not into that much intensity? Spend the day at a waterpark with your kids or treat your spouse to a romantic picnic.
August – Read a good book
We all feel a bit lazy during the dog days of summer. It’s a great time to catch up on your reading. Want to feel like a kid again? Stop by your local library to borrow a book. No time, just download a book and enjoy a great read as you cool off in the shade of a tree or by a pool.
September – Complete a home improvement project
Apply a fresh coat of paint to your kitchen, remodel your dated bathroom, organize your garage, or simply purchase new sheets and a comforter to freshen up your bedroom. Autumn is approaching and a little home improvement will brighten your days.
October – Treat yourself this month
Maybe you would enjoy a day of mani’s and pedi’s with the girls or fishing with the guys. Be sure to do something that really makes you happy this month. It could be getting the whole family together for Sunday dinner or enjoying a movie in the theatre. Your goal is to put a smile on your face.
November – Prioritize the people that matter the most
The holidays are coming and you’re being torn in a million different directions. How will you have time for everything? Remember, you don’t need to do everything; you just need to spend time with the people who are most important to you. Turn off your cell phone and other mobile devices and really concentrate on your loved ones. Talk, listen and learn from each other.
December – The holidays are a perfect time to start a new family tradition
It might be getting your family together to bake grandma’s famous cookie recipes or another favorite recipe. Maybe it’s taking some time to give back as a group, like shopping for gifts to donate to a local charity or for toys for tots or volunteering as a family at your local food bank. It could even be introducing a favorite tradition from your childhood to your children, like driving around town to look at the holiday lights. Whatever it is, be sure to do it together as a family.
Your friends at Corcoran Printing hope this New Year brings you much happiness. Resolutions that include adding something new to your life each month will help you realize new dreams and goals throughout the year.
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