These goals for the New Year are fun and attainable!
Lose weight. Quit social media. Cut out alcohol completely. Blah blah blah… snooze fest. These are all good goals, don't get me wrong. But we set the same New Year's resolutions every single year and then... do we ever really stick to them? So, for 2023, why not shake things up a bit and try creating resolutions of a different variety? Whether you choose one New Year resolution, or all that’s mentioned below, you'll be better off for it.
- Work out to feel good, not be thinner.
Instead of obsessing over the scale, obsess over how amazing you feel since you started being more active. Numbers don't mean much.
- Stop gossiping.
Don't be that person. Spread positivity.
- Give one compliment a day.
You never know—it just might make that person feel a whole lot better.
- Go a whole day without checking your email.
Nobody's going to die. It can wait until tomorrow.
- Do Random Acts of Kindness
Norbert, the famous therapy dog, reminds us that anyone can be kind, and it costs you nothing.
"I may be only 3 pounds, but it’s not the size of the dog, it’s the size of the heart that counts. Through social media, I love to bring joy into people’s lives by making them smile with my photos and videos ... I think acts of kindness and generosity make the world a better place. We call my community of nearly two million followers worldwide the 'Norberthood.' We encourage caring and compassion and believe it is better to be thoughtful and kind than to bully. Let’s spread smiles together! As I say, you don’t have to be big to make a BIG difference in the world."
- Read a book a month.
Haven't you heard? Reading is good for your brain, it can reduce stress, and it can improve your memory and concentration.
- Go someplace you've never been.
Step outside of your comfort zone and do something daring. It's good for the soul and forces you to learn new things.
- Clear out the clutter.
Clutter is literally bad for your health. Research says it stresses you out. Make 2023 the year of organization and cleanliness.
- Turn off your phone one night a week.
You're sleeping anyway. You don't need it!
- Volunteer.
Not only is volunteering good for your own mental and physical health, but you're doing something kind and selfless for others.
- Write down one thing you're grateful for every night.
End the night with gratitude and you'll feel better when you lay your head down on your pillow.
- Drink more water.
You've probably heard that your body needs it. 75% of us are chronically dehydrated. Drink up!
- Take a part of your paychecks and put it in savings or investments.
Even just a small percentage can really add up down the line. Plan for the future and don't be silly with your money.
- Talk to yourself with kindness.
We aim to be nice to others but then criticize ourselves relentlessly. Stop! Think nicer things about yourself.
- Call a friend instead of texting them.
You can Facetime them for extra measure!
- Don't buy things you don't need.
Bad habit. We love to spend money even if it's for no good reason. Don't need it? Don't buy it.
- Clean out your car.
It's so easy for it to become trashed, especially if you drive a lot. Spot clean as you go so that your ride is always looking sharp.
- Put your bills on autopay.
If this won't put you under any financial stress, do it! It's one less thing you have to think about and you'll never pay late fees again. Win-win.
- Take the stairs.
Speaks for itself.
- Go to the dentist when you're supposed to.
Your oral health can actually have an impact on things that are happening in other parts of your body, like your heart and lungs.
- Be kind on social media.
I think everyone who uses social media should strive to empathize more with strangers and respond to others on the internet with kindness. Don't let hate or bullying be motivation for interacting on social platforms.
- Let go of grudges.
Wouldn't it be nice to start 2023 with a clean slate? Leave hate behind. Anger is so 2022.
- Stay in touch with the people who matter.
Even a quick call, text, or email can make a world of difference.
- Try a totally new restaurant.
Go on. Be adventurous. Get that strange sushi roll or order takeout from the new Mediterranean restaurant that just opened up down the street.
- Start a new hobby.
Do new stuff. Learn a new language, take tennis lessons, take those piano lessons you've always wanted to take. Let yourself blossom in 2023!
- Sanitize your personal belongings.
Cell phones might be the dirtiest things we touch all day, with 25,127 bacteria per square inch.
- Start cooking!
Bonus points if it's something you feel like you're not good at.
- Send handwritten letters.
Nobody does this anymore, and it's such a thoughtful, genuine gesture. Make somebody's day!
- Donate clothes you never wear.
We tend to hang onto "stuff "just in case. If you haven't worn it in a year, give someone else the chance to.
- Pay off your credit card every month.
And if something is so expensive that you think that you won't be able to? Don't buy it.
- Avoid people who complain a lot.
It doesn't matter how positive a person you are. Negativity spreads, and it will impact you. And on a similar note...
- Remove negativity or anything that makes you feel lousy.
Even things like super sad movies or news sources that just upset you. (Have you watched the news lately??!!)
- Travel somewhere with no map.
Take a road trip without using Apple or Google maps. No GPS. Just start driving and see where it takes you. You’ll never know what sort of fun and exciting adventure you’ll end up on as a result.
- Wear sunscreen.
The sun can do damage even when you're driving in the car. Make SPF your new best friend.
- Make Your Bed Every Morning
Making your bed helps you accomplish something first thing in the morning and thus starts your day with success.
- Stretch It Out
We spend so much time sitting and staring at our phones, all hunched over. Loosen up those tight muscles with even just five (5) minutes of stretching each day.
- Go to Bed Happy Each Night
Never go to bed angry. It's a cliché, but it's true. Aim to start and end each day with happiness and gratitude.
- Pay it Forward
Did someone do something nice for you recently? 2023 is a great time to do something nice for another. Maybe you'll pay for someone's coffee in the Starbucks drive-thru or buy a meal for a homeless person. We receive good things, now let’s spread them, too.
- Talk Less, Listen More
Good things happen and you learn and notice so much more when you spend more time listening.
- Whatever Your Goals Are, Write Them Down
People who write down their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them. Whatever you want in 2023, commit it to paper.
Wishing all of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2023! If we can ever be of assistance, call or text us at 781-289-7445 or email me at dan@rizzoinsurance.com
###