Collaborative Post
The New Year is the ideal time to make some changes in your life if you’re not happy. New Year’s resolutions generally get a bad name as we’re often quick to break them, but trying self-improvement in the new year is actually a good time to start.
You don’t need to make huge changes to see and feel a difference. Here are some simply ideas that may help make a difference to your 2023!
Make specific goals
It’s easy to make general goals for the year but making goals that are more specific will mean you are more likely to push to achieve them.
Instead of saying ‘I’ll lose weight this year’ or ‘I’ll save some money’ tell yourself, “I’ll lose 2 stone over the next 6 months” or I’ll save £250 a month in an account I can’t withdraw from easily”. A more focused approach will encourage a bit of accountability.
Try and exercise regularly
Not everyone has the time to make daily visits to the gym. Time, work and kids can make it hard to find the time and energy to go to the gym or run miles. If you struggle with time and motivation, you could look at something like desk exercise equipment which can be used while working or if you have a hobby that includes a lot of sitting. It’s a simple way to exercise without having to make a huge commitment.
Stop saying yes to things you don’t want to do
It can be hard to say no, especially if you’re a people pleaser but it’s ok to say no. It doesn’t mean you’re rude or anti social, it sometimes just means you don’t want to sacrifice your own time, energy and happiness for other people. You don’t have to attend every social gathering you’re invited too, your children don’t need to attend every party they’re invited too and one your working day is finished, don’t feel obliged to do more than you have too.
Sort out your finances
It’s very easy to put off sorting out your finances and bury your head in the sand, especially if you have debt.
However, once you finally organise you debt, savings and accounts it absolutely feels like a weight has been lifted. Arranging to pay off debts and increase savings if you can will help reduce stress and worry. Finding a handy free finance spreadsheet may help you to visualise what you need to do.
Challenge yourself
Write out a list of challenges for yourself for 2023. It might be to complete a qualification you’ve already started, run a 10k run instead of your usual 5k or even just to complete a DIY task at home yourself without having to call in an expert.
Declutter
Whether its your home or your life in general, decluttering feels like such a relief. You could consider looking at the Kon Mari technique which was created by Marie Kondo and encourages to get rid of things in your home that don’t spark joy. There are books and websites on the subject and it’s pretty easy to follow and makes a huge difference to a cluttered home.
Let go of people and things that aren’t working for you
It’s easy to try too hard to keep hold of something or someone that has hurt us but when you keep hold of things that make you unhappy, it doesn’t allow space for new people or experiences.
When you hold on to things that are making you miserable, you’re not making room for things or people that will make you happy. Although it can take a long time to feel ready to let go of people who don’t have your best interests at heart but it make a huge difference to your mental health once you’ve done so.
I hope 2023 is kind to you.
