Whether 2018 was a year of wild success, a year you’d rather not look back on, or somewhere in between, it is rapidly coming to a close. With New Year’s day comes the tradition of making resolutions.
Will you decide to lose weight? Save money? Spend more time with friends and family?
If so, you are not alone. According to GoSkills.com, these are among the most popular New Year’s resolutions. But did you know that only 20% of people will keep them?
As New Year’s Eve approaches, consider increasing your likelihood of success by simplifying your resolutions. In 2019, resolve to live kindly, live consciously, and live simply.
Living Kindly…..
I know what you’re thinking. Who wouldn’t want to live kindly? What does that even mean as a resolution?
Social consciousness is growing exponentially. With social media, the problems and struggles of average citizens become known widely. While this can sometimes be overwhelming and even desensitizing, it also allows the average person to take a more direct hand in doing something about the world’s ills.
Unfortunately, social media also has a polarizing effect. It is easy to sit behind a screen and say things you would never say in person. When using social media consider the following questions. They are commonly used in schools, but adults can benefit from them as well:
Before you post something, THINK:
T - is it True?
H - is it Helpful?
I - is it Inspiring?
N - is it Necessary?
K - is it Kind?
Of course, these questions apply to more than just online interactions. Can you imagine a world where everyone was able to THINK before speaking or acting? Beautiful, right?
Live Consciously……
We are living in a connected world. We can no longer pretend our actions and choices don’t have far-reaching effects. The plastic bag you use today could end up in the ocean tomorrow. The recyclable plastic you throw away will sit for centuries in a landfill.
Most people want to minimize their impact on the environment. They just don’t know where to start. And many feel that living an eco-friendly life will be expensive and inconvenient. When taken to an extreme this may be true, but as the Greeks say, moderation in all things.
Small changes make a big difference. Buy locally to reduce greenhouse emissions. (Short transportation of products to stores = less gas used.)
Remember to bring reusable bags when you shop.
Bike or walk to places that aren’t too far away. Again, this will reduce emissions. You’ll also get some exercise!
Live Simply……
What is truly important in your life? Your family? Your friends? Your job? How time do you invest in things that aren’t important and don’t make you happy?
Find ways to reduce or eliminate those things. Create a routine to handle chores efficiently. Listen to an audio book or your favorite music on your commute to make this time feel well-spent.
Take a look around the place (usually your office) where you spend most of your time. Cluttered spaces increase stress while decreasing efficiency. Try these tips to help put order into your life:
● Use the one-year rule. People keep things around because they might use them “someday”. If you haven’t touched something in a year, you don’t need it. Throw it away, recycle it, or donate it.
● Create a place for everything. Return each thing to its place when you are done using it.
● Invest in office supplies that are both useful and aesthetic. You need to have things like pencil sharpeners around, but there is nothing that says they can’t be both utilitarian and beautiful.
Here’s to 2019 being your best year yet! Happy New Year to you and your family!