A New Day’s Resolution

By: Paige Johnson

​Forget year-long objectives that you simply don’t have the time or willpower to master. Instead, look to each morning as an opportunity to renew and revive your commitment to yourself and those you love.The most common New Year’s resolutions are also the easiest to break. These include those pertaining to weight loss, money management, relaxation, travel, and drug and alcohol use. But, why are they so hard to master? The reason is simple: they are too difficult to change overnight and don’t allow for the celebration of small victories. Here, we present the top three resolutions and offer advice on how to master them one morning at a time.

​Weight loss
In the United States, more than 66% of adults are overweight, with about half of these in the obese category. It’s no wonder that weight loss is the number one goal of men and women on January 1st, after weeks of holiday indulgences. Instead of determining that you’re going to lose 25 pounds this year, commit each morning to have a healthy breakfast. You can swap out bacon and eggs for a healthy dose of Greek yogurt, fruit, and heart-healthy oatmeal. Instead of deciding to go to the gym five days a week, take an evening walk with your family or park as far away from the entrance as possible while out running errands.

Stop smoking/drink less
You already know that drinking, smoking, and using drugs are bad for your mental and physical health and can even lead to an addiction problem. However, these habits are often ingrained in our psyches and become part of our day-to-day lives and they can be the hardest habits to break. Try walking away from one smoke break each day until your habit is manageable instead of throwing out an entire carton of cigarettes the first day of the year. Swap alcoholic drinks with virgin varieties, which will offer you the taste and sensation without the harmful side effects. Make a list of health benefits you will enjoy once these toxins have been eliminated from your body. Put this list in a visible location, such as on your desk, the refrigerator, or the bathroom mirror. Remember, these actions are not just an investment in yourself but also have a positive effect on your friends and family.

​Save money
Many New Year’s resolutions begin with ambitious aspirations of saving for a lavish vacation, new car, or other big-ticket item. These goals can soon be overwhelmed with the daily task of paying bills, especially for those that live paycheck-to-paycheck. Lower your stress levels by refocusing away from the end goal. Instead, make a chart of smaller savings milestones, which will help you gradually step up and meet your objectives. One of the easiest ways to save money is by having a small portion of your paycheck automatically routed to the savings account. You may also consider working an occasional side job. You can set this money aside and be that much closer to achieving your financial goals.
Setting goals for yourself as an exercise in mental and physical discipline. It is just as rewarding as it is challenging. Listing smaller objectives will help you feel better about your decision and will offer you a tangible way to visualize your accomplishments. Don’t let small setbacks get you down and learn to look at failure as an opportunity to reevaluate your intentions.
Create an environment that is conducive to success by taking some time for yourself each day. Meditate, draw, write, or simply have a cup of coffee in the fresh morning air. Whatever you need to do to clear your mind, do it so that you can start your day with the focus you need to succeed.