5 Essential New Year's Resolutions for a Growing Person

Post written by Raymund and Denielle Tamayo

 

Source: http://www.stanleyhomesinc.com

It’s the beginning of a New Year and people are psychologically triggered to make New Year’s resolutions again.

Usually, people make resolutions for self-betterment or self-improvement. Perhaps one is resolved to lose weight, or to exercise more, or to spend more time with family. Or some may be resolved to deal with the difficulties in their marriage, or fight poverty, or improve other people’s lives. Make no mistake, we’re not saying that it’s good or bad to have New Year’s resolutions. All these endeavors are noble and worthy to be done.

But, if you’re someone who has to make them, consider the following things to start doing for 2014:

1. Smile more often. Number one, because you can. Smile at yourself, your children, your home, the sunrise, the wind blowing on your face. The hot cup of coffee in your hands right now. Genuinely appreciate the moment. If you smile more often, one person may also smile, and her smile might make others smile too. Be the change you want to see.

2. Forgive anyone for anything. Including yourself, and at once. We’re often hurt by ourselves and by others. Withholding forgiveness will only make the pain linger. It’s time to start being generous about forgiveness. It doesn’t mean that you’re being a push over, or you will just forget what happened. It means you’re letting go of the pain, and instead choosing to learn from the experience.

3. Create your own happiness. Stop waiting for someone else to make yourself happy. You can choose to be happy even when alone. When you are happy with yourself, your life is filled with opportunities to be at your full potential. You will have endless possibilities to create and do extraordinary things. Don’t worry that wanting to be happier is a selfish goal. Actually, it’s the contrary. Studies also show that happier people are more inclined to help other people.

4. Spend more time with the right people. And stop spending time with the wrong ones. You will know the right people to hang out with. They are ones who you enjoy spending time with, who love you and appreciate you in all your imperfections, and who encourage and build you up in healthy, exciting, and godly ways. They are the ones who make you feel how to be truly alive, hold you accountable, disapprove constructively if it’s a must, and will love you unconditionally.

5. Take baby steps toward your dreams. Remember that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Whatever are your hopes and dreams, now is the right time to take small, logical steps to make it happen. It need not be big or outlandish, just consistent baby steps is all you need. Be courageous. Stand firm. Get up and do something.

Happy New Year, friends! What’s one thing in your life that you want to see changed for the better this 2014? Please share them in the comments!