How often do you really keep your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re being honest, then the answer is probably never.
Many people start a new year off with lofty goals that end up being too hard to keep. There’s nothing wrong with being motivated to start fresh in big ways, but it’s also important to keep in mind that life will likely get in the way.
Here are some ideas for small resolutions that could add up to big success.
Skip the drive thru. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you. If it’s just not realistic to go cold turkey, try brewing your own coffee at home and packing your lunch for two days out of the week. Once you see the savings add up, you’ll find the motivation to push even further.
Work in more workouts. That doesn’t mean you need to join a gym and dedicate an hour or more at a time to a fitness class. Wake up a little bit earlier and go for a run. Reserve 15 minutes of your lunch break to go for a walk with a coworker. Swap out your desk chair for an exercise ball. Any exercise is good exercise.
Negotiate your bills. Who says you always have to pay the same price for your phone, your cable and internet services, your car insurance or the interest rate on your credit card? If you’re a loyal customer who consistently pays your bills on time, point it out and negotiate new terms. You’ll be happy to find that many businesses don’t mind giving you what you want. But you won’t start off the New Year with extra money in your pocket if you don’t ask.
Unplug at home. It’s easy to let work creep into your home life, but in 2017, keep it where it belongs: at the office. When you get home, turn your cell phone to silent and keep your laptop closed. That precious extra time will be better spent doing things you enjoy with your loved ones and even pampering yourself. You deserve it.
Organize your space. Whether at work or at home, take a day to give away or throw away anything you no longer use. A cluttered space can make it more difficult to think clearly and could ultimately make you less productive. You may find that a little organization will help.