I’m no believer in resolutions – ugh, I feel a headache coming on just thinking about it. There’s just something super annoying about choosing something over the top to commit to just because it’s the dawn of a New Year, only for that goal to slowly die off into the second and third quarter.

Maybe you aren’t sure what New Years resolution to start, or how big or small to go. There’s no pressure to set a goal in losing 20 pounds; instead start by cutting out soda and processed foods. Why commit to going to the gym every day, just to burn yourself out from going at all after the first month? Start out twice a week one month, then 3 and 4 times the next.

Perhaps your New Year inspires self improvement goals – such as getting that job promotion, or learning to make more time for the things that matter. Resolutions aren’t all about making big changes or setting goals – it’s about progression and improvement in whatever way that can easily adapt to your life.

Otherwise they might turn into a bump on a log, get in the way of your normal routine and ultimately be deemed achievable.

For me, I find it much easier to call them habits instead of resolutions. The easier and smaller they are the more likelihood they have in becoming habitual in every day life all year round. Therefore, making a bigger impact on other aspects of life. So I’m keeping it simple for you with these super easy habits to start in the New Year.

super easy habits

to start in the new year

[for a healthier, happier you]

be more present

With social media taking up such a huge chunk of our “social” lives and downtime, we fail to realize that it is merely for instant and short-term gratification. We are now conditioned to habitually scrolling through our feeds as a way to connect with others – calling it “socializing” – when really we are only enabling an unhealthy addiction and false perception to what authentic connection actually means.

We allow social media to be that constant voice on our shoulder – reminding us how our lives should be and who we are without it. We have those who can’t step away from their phone for minutes, or hours, without feelings of anxiousness and growing anticipation of, “Wonder what I’m missing….”

Learn how to be at peace without it. Understand the relief of not having to hear the constant Ping of a text or notification. Honestly, it took me a long time to go from, “Wow, an entire day without a text – seriously, no one loves me,” to truly enjoying the silence. It’s in those times I cherish the outpour of energy toward the things in my life that really matter – my home, my family, my love and myself.

Spend less time meandering on your Facebook and Instagram feed. Be present and more personally involved with those who actually make an impact in your life – family, friends, your children, your loved ones and even yourself. 

Silence your phone and stop texting when in the presence of others that are important to you. Give more of your time to those deserving of it rather than fulfilling relationships with those solely through Likes and Comments. Utilize self fulfillment in other ways without the need for social media to bypass your free time – such as reading a book.

don’t forget to actually eat; as well as watch what we consume

Unfortunately, coffee is not considered breakfast (as I am slurping down my second cup at noon and have yet to eat something today). I get it, with busy schedules and the lack of morning hunger, it puts a strain on our will to eat or simply remembering to eat.

Avoid skipping meals – meaning, yeah you – don’t push yourself to work through that lunch break.

Sure, I’m one to talk – when it is super easy for me to go 9 straight hours without even thinking about food (eesh, many times water, too). Yet, when I finally do…. its anything I can get my grubby hands on (something likely not great for me, either). So we also have to watch what we eat, when we eat.

No matter what anyone says – snacking throughout the day is better than skipping a meal. Period. So keep something light and edible, like almonds, bananas or granola, at your desk or in your bag while out running about. When we keep fueled little by little throughout the day, we’re less likely to splurge and gorge (especially on the bad stuff).

be mindful of spending

If you’re looking for ways to save money – then read on. If you’re looking for ways to curb your spending – please, continue. If you have no need to worry about money, period, then simply skip this section altogether.

That said, become more aware of where your money goes and how much, especially if you’re one to find yourself in a financial rut at certain points throughout the year. While it may not matter right now – boom-shaka thanks to that Christmas bonus – don’t wait until it does become an issue and regret starts settling in.

Now I’m not going to tell you to give up that Starbucks each day (because as a coffee lover, I am well aware that is simply a lifestyle), but if you were to think in terms of how much you spend a month on a $3-$5 coffee each day – that could be a nice lump sum in your pocket to spend elsewhere.

Just sayin’. I mean, a few months of Starbucks could get you the Coffee Ninja – which is awesome, by the way, if you haven’t tried one.

Over the years (mostly since entering my very adult life) I went from being a “who-cares” spender – there’s $50 in my bank account [yippee] – to the “Do-I-want-to-work-when-I’m-65” spender.

Ever since implementing the want-versus-need mindset, it has been a complete game changer when it comes to my personal spending and saving. Mind you, I splurge now and then (let’s not go all willy-nilly here and call me Aunt Frugal), but seriously though – there’s a silver lining and a pretty little vacation home waiting for me when I retire (hopefully).

Hey, I’ll settle for debt-free. That silver lining is that I have become WAAAY more simplistic and now understand the luxury behind a minimalist lifestyle.

Start small – otherwise you’ll go into full on deprivation mode, causing you to over-spend to make up for it. Use the, “Do I want that, or do I need that?” tactic when you’re out shopping.

I’m talking to you Target-lovers who say you’re only going in for two things.

Set yourself small savings goals every month, or by simply cutting out unnecessary spending – like those frequent lunches out at work with co-workers. Even giving yourself a recreational spending limit each month will help you gain more control of your spending habits.

learn to forgive + stray from negativity

Learn the willingness to forgive others, including yourself.

Let go of the weight you carry on your shoulders – from regret, hate, remorse, and failure. Relieve yourself of those feelings of unhappiness from those who may have wronged you. Forgiveness does not excuse or condone any wrong behavior or fault, it is the conscious decision to free yourself of the damage someone caused you. It is crucial in life to learn how to forgive, since we ourselves are not perfect creatures, and it is more realistic to aim for progression than expecting perfection.

Essentially, we need to become our own positive force field.

Everyone in life will go through peaks and valleys. While it is not your duty to dismiss someone’s feelings in life, it is your duty to decide whether others can negatively influence yours.

This was something that was incredibly difficult for me to understand and overcome over the years. I believe we have the tendency to allow those who are important to us to have the most impact and influence in our lives. So in this sense, I easily succumb to the negativity and negative energy of those I am closest to. Over time it has caused me to develop an outlook of, “If so-and-so isn’t happy, I’m not allowed to be happy.” This is because I was (and still am) afraid of being seen as selfish and unsympathetic as well as avoiding being the cause for further discomfort and disappointment.

This is not a healthy mindset to have, to say the least, nor is that any life to live. It’s important to understand that you are not in control of how others feel, but that you are in control of your feelings and in allowing others to affect them.

be hopeful

I’m about to be one of those people when I say we can’t control every single minute aspect in our lives – that we must deal the hand we are dealt. We are in control of every decision in our lives, and we must hold ourselves accountable. Meaning, yes, when bad things happen, there are going to be times that are unavoidable and unpredictable.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t remain hopeful for the good. 

Being optimistic doesn’t mean you are blind to failure or bad fortune, but that you view success as overcoming failure.  Instead of viewing failure as an endpoint see it as an opportunity for growth and wisdom, because in the end those who rise above their failures learn far more on the meaning of dedication, courage, strength and capability.

Hey, even baby steps are still steps – just because you finished last doesn’t mean you failed.

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