Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions

How do you resolve to change your life for the better?

No matter how many times we’ve seen in a new year most of us still can’t shake off that feeling that we’ll somehow be better, fitter, stronger, and richer in the months ahead.  We resolve to change our lives, to improve our situation and circumstances, and to generally get more out of life.

Will the coming year be any different?  Chances are things won’t change much as resolutions are broken within the first week, but at least every new year gives us another chance to say, “Out with the old and in with the new” and to give it another go.

Here is a typical list of Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions.  How many are on your list and how many will you stick to?

1. Lose Weight – This one is probably at the top of many lists.  After all the over indulgence of Christmas the belts are tighter and the clothing has become a bit to0 snug.  Returning to normal eating patterns will probably help you to shed a few pounds by mid January so don’t feel you have to go on a crash diet.  Three square meals a day and some light exercise might help you to return to the weight you were on December 1st.


Save Money

2. Save Money – Did you spend until it hurt before Christmas?  Are you dreading the credit card statements that fall onto the doormat in January?  Time to pay the piper, but all is not lost.  Like over eating, over spending can be managed in such a way that within a few weeks things will seem a lot better.  It may sound so obvious that it’s tedious to hear again but the trick is to stop spending on unnecessary items.  Don’t be brainwashed by noisy adverts to buy in the sales if you can’t afford it.  Use a discount voucher site to ensure that whatever you do need to buy is bought at the cheapest price.
3. Quit Smoking – We all know why and unless you’ve been living on Mars you should already know where to find ample free information available for anyone looking for answers and support.  You’ll be fitter, less likely to fall ill, and you’ll save money.  Any questions?  No.  Good.  Just do it.
4. Do Some Good – Voluntary work not only helps others but makes the volunteer feel a lot better about themselves and about life generally. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from doing good deeds that have a noticeable positive effect on someone else’s life.  It’s a buzz that no money can buy.  If you’re feeling low for example, helping someone else can lift the gloom.  You’ll also meet new people (which may lead to all kinds of new opportunities) and it’s a helpful addition to your CV.
5. Change Your Career – For some this might mean getting a job, any job, but for those already employed and not satisfied with the current circumstances this can mean making big changes to their employment situation.  Recruitment companies notice a big upturn in both vacancies and people seeking positions in the New Year, so maybe now is the time to audit your CV, bring it up to date and start the search  for your dream job.
6. 

   Oh to be in love again

   Start Dating Again – If you’re single and not happy with the situation the New Year is a good time to start the search for love and there’s no better place to do so than online.  The scope is huge, no one will think you’re weird for doing so, and you can do so from the comfort of your own home saving you pots of cash that would otherwise be spent on trips to the pubs and clubs in town.  Save those for when you have someone to go with.  Online dating sites are everywhere.  Choose one that suits your age, interests, occupation or location.  For example, a dating site for the over 50s, Christians, Sailors, or just any single people in the UK.

7. 

   Get Hitched

   Get Married – Some say that people who are married live longer, happier and healthier lives.  There may be plenty of anecdotal evidence to the contrary but just like tabloid newspaper stories you don’t hear about the good news that goes on every day i.e. the silent majority who are happily married and for whom it doesn’t end in divorce.  It needn’t cost the earth, it’s a day you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives together, and it’ll confirm your commitment to each other in a way that no amount of living together ever will.  Save money on your wedding.

8. Learn A New Skill – Learning a new language is a favourite.  For example, becoming conversational in French or Italian and being able to speak the lingo when on holiday not only boost your confidence and self esteem, but it can also earn you the respect of the locals and get you out of trouble.  Perhaps you want to learn to drive or do some DIY; whatever it is the hardest bit is starting and the second hardest thing is maintaining the momentum.  Once you’ve begun to walk the path stay on it until you reach your first milestone, then set another target and keep going.
9. Clear Out The Clutter – When the Christmas decorations come down you’ll probably want to clean the place too.  There’ll be all kinds of detritus to dispose of, you’ll be returning the baubles into storage and this can lead on to a general clear out of the garage and loft.  While you’re in or up there expose those other boxes you’ve been ignoring for months to the light of day.  Do you really need all this clutter?  Return anything that you genuinely cannot get rid of then sort the rest of your belongings into three types; items to sell, items to give away (to friends or charities), and items to take to the tip.  You’ll create space and feel relieved of a burden you’ve grown used to carrying.  You might even make some money.
10. Live Life To The Full – Death and taxes; we can’t avoid either, and one New Year’s Day will be the last we’ll see in our lifetime, so  if you’re frustrated by unfulfilled ambitions and unrealised goals perhaps now is the time to take stock of your life and decide on where you want to be not just in another year but also in three, five, and then years time.  Write a list of all the things you want to achieve in life and start a plan to set about reaching those targets.  Write another list of areas in your life that you feel could do with some improvement.  Your list might include the entire thing list so far, but there could just as easily be other items that are more important to you personally.

Pagan Past, Present and Future

The turn of the year at and around the Winter Solstice on December 21st still tugs at our DNA which seems programmed to respond to the age old rituals associated with then end of one year and the beginning of another.  Christmas takes up most of our attention for a week or so after the shortest day and of course due to our calendar we don’t see the New Year in until later, but whether you celebrate the turning point of the cycle in silent contemplation on the solstice or at a party at midnight on New Year’s Eve the results are the same; an acceptance of an influx of fresh energy that might spur you on to greater things.