Well, another year has gone by, and usually by the end of the year, there is an excitement as this past year could not have been as good as the hope of what the new year will be. There could potentially be a new president, or there could just be 20/20 clarity that will take precedence in your life. With 20/20 being perfect vision, there is no better time than now to spend time collecting insight and clarity on the things we want to go after in the year 2020! If you are wanting to better yourself in the New Year, here are five subjects to choose from when it comes to navigating New Year’s Resolutions:
1. Values: It’s the heart behind why you do what you do. It’s the oil that gets your squeaky engines in check; what are your values and what are the ones that you haven’t fully attained yet? Is it gratitude? Find a journal and schedule time to write one sentence about what you are grateful for that day (you might actually be able to do this on your phone in the notes section even!). Is it love? What is a way to give to love to someone either through an act of service, physical touch, like a hug (with the consent of the person), words of affirmation, etc. Is it honor? Sometimes doing something that you might not want to do is hard, but being under the authority of someone else who knows what’s best and then doing what they say anyways is a great way to honor who that person is in your life. Kindness, patience, and discipline are all good ones too!
2. School/Career: With college applications turned in for seniors, maybe for some of you juniors in high school are starting to look into college plans. Be specific about what you want and stick to the timeline (aka deadlines) as much as possible. Always ask for the help of someone who is caring enough to support you through the process. Never underestimate how smart you are and your abilities to go after what you want. In terms of career for those who are 18 and older, look into career assessment tests online that can help guide you into the right path. Plan out where you want to be in five years and the little steps it’ll take to get there. Where do you want to be in the next 6 months even? It’s good to write those things out using S.M.A.R.T. goals (mentioned in Blog #5).
3. Relationships: It’s good to actually write to down who you want to be in your inner circle and who you want nothing to do with, you get a choice in what relationships you hold dear. Here’s an idea: draw three circles on a white paper, each circle inside the other. Then write down who you want to be your closest relationships, and then the second biggest circle being some who you would keep at arm’s length, and then the outside circle being the one who you would leave on the outside (someone you might run into every once and awhile).
4. Financial: All the things you want, but can’t have with only a little bit of money. What are some really creative ways to make income in the New Year? What are you struggling this year with your budget? Tap into the resources that are already here! If you are 18 and older, check out Just in Time for Foster Youth’s Fin Fit program. Otherwise, if you’re younger, 16 and older, talk to your folks and see if you can do a small part time job/business. Are you creative? Have then take you somewhere to play music or write poems for people. Are you a great baker? Sell those cookies and snag a few bucks! There are even more creative ways to make funds with the internet. Video games? Do recorded session on YouTube with that Xbox or PlayStation. It’s okay if it’s specific, people might take a liking to your channel and you’ll find yourself gaining followers. And then you can have ads in those videos which will allow you to have funds. That’s more of a long shot though as there is no guarantee you’ll get followers. Whatever you like to do, maybe to do a tutorial or give lessons. Always ask your team of supports for money advice!
5. Health: This is probably the most popular one. My New Year’s goal is to start specifically eating healthy. I felt that I needed to be practical about it because I don’t see myself buy a lot of fruits and veggies to make and eat, but I will drink smoothies any day. I don’t see myself going to the grocery store, so I decided to invest in pre-made cups of fruits and veggies so I can blend it and take it on the go! I just have to consistent about it, but I have already started the process! There are other health goals, like getting fit too, which I figured I would start taking dance classes for that! Just a little example for ya!
Good luck in your transformation process and I will see the new you in the New Year!