Start 2013 Right!
According to a recent Gallup Poll approximately 80% of people do not stick to their New Year’s resolutions. That doesn’t mean you can’t set some goals designed to help you start off the New Year right. Below we take a look at how to start a New Year right and turn those New Year’s goals into accomplishments.
How to Start a New Year Right – Sleep Eight Hours a Night
So much of life’s success is predicated on productivity. The ability to put action to your goals and dreams means having the mental and physical fortitude to keep going. There’s no better way to recharge mentally and physically than sleeping eight hours a night. Americans seem to think running on just a few hours of sleep is a badge of honor. Unfortunately, medical experts would disagree. Lack of sleep increases your risk of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure and a whole host of other things. Try sleeping 7.5-8 hours a night for a week and see how you feel. Chances are you’ll be feeling better than you have in years, which means you’ll have the energy to accomplish your goals.
How to Start a New Year Right – Change Your Diet
The vast majority of people choose some diet related goal as a New Year’s resolution. Experts say the best diet is the one you can stick to. Our prescription pill obsessed culture advocates taking a pill for every little ailment. This is certainly not to be taken as medical advice (see your doctor for that), but a change in diet which includes more green vegetables and fruit can go a long way in helping increasing your health. If you’re not sure where to start – begin slow by taking baby steps such as cutting back on dining out from three times a week to once, or incorporating vegetables into every meal. These small changes pay big dividends over time.
How to Start a New Year Right – Volunteer
There is no better way to increase your quality of life than by giving to others. Volunteering provides perspective, purpose and gratification. Find a good cause you can support and jump right in. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in your community, just make sure it is a reputable organization before starting.
How to Start a New Year Right – Set Personal Financial Goals
Financial worries are among the leading causes of stress. Setting some personal financial goals can bring balance and peace to your life. It could be something as simple as tucking away $50 a month in savings or planning to pay off a credit card over the course of the year.
How to Start a New Year Right – Don’t Expect to be Perfect
Many people get derailed because they stumble when trying to meet their New Year’s goals. Just settle it in your mind that you’ll probably hit a bump or two in the road, but that doesn’t mean you have failed. Life is a marathon not a race. It’s the little things we do day to day that add up to big changes. Two steps forward and one step back are much better than taking no steps at all!
What do you plan on doing to start off the New Year right?
