Top New Years Resolutions

Do you make New Years resolutions? I do sometimes and probably always should.  Goals are a good thing, especially if you formulate a plan to follow so you have a degree of success. I scanned the internet for both of us and found good advice like write it down, keep a journal and such.   As I was looking through the internet for the best list of resolutions my focus was to find ones that increase your joy and self worth and found most of the sites I looked at contained these in most of their lists. Here are the top ten I thought had merit.

1.  Go back to school, of just learn something new. This could include learning anything new, a language, an instrument or literally go back to school.
2. Get a better job.  You spend a lot of your time where you work and being happy there can have a big effect on your level of general happiness.
3. Get in shape, good thought but set reasonable goals and the key I have found is pick something you like doing so you'll keep at it. Also if you can find a partner because accountability is an amazing asset.
4. Make a difference.  Volunteering with you time or money or whatever you have to share can increase your joy exponentially.
5. Take a trip. Short or long it will restore your soul.
6. Quit smoking, I don't need to explain that one to you or tell you how or why.
7. Reduce your debt and or save money. Again you'll need to make a budget and then keep to it.  I have also found over the years auto payments into my savings from payroll and learning to live on what is left is a good strategy.
8. Reduce clutter and or get organized, my favorite tricks are emptying a drawer into a laundry basket and then sorting it back into the drawer and trash, pick on drawer a week, I also like setting a timer and cleaning, sorting or tiding until it dings. Twice a week for that and by Feb you'll be amazed the difference.
9. Enjoy time with friends or make new ones. This could mean anything from making an effort to bond with neighbors or coworkers to trying on-line dating if you're single or taking a class.
10. Nurture the relationships you have.  Do you have a favorite cousin, a spouse, child, parent who you enjoy their company but don't see as much as you'd like? Decide to make new choices with your time that free you up to see them more often.

And there you have it.  All good and all doable with a little planning.  I think I am going to pick no more than 5. Which ever you choose or none at all at least resolve to be kind to yourself this year and take care of your health, You'll find it leads to other good things.  Happy New Year.