You don’t have to wait until the new year to make personal goals!

 

Stop making unrealistic resolutions and make these monthly life changes instead!

 

 

Instead of new you for the new year…how about new you for years to come!

 

 

Good old resolutions…

Every time a year is coming to an end, people say goodbye to another year and prepare for the new year.  You tend to reflect on the past year and ask yourself if you’ve accomplished all that you set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year.  I know that for me, I didn’t always accomplish everything that I had set out to, but I would accomplish some amazing things each year. I didn’t start really start to reach certain goals or accomplish much until I changed my mindset.  At the end of or beginning of every year, people tend to set unrealistic goals and make unreasonable resolutions for themselves, only to be disappointed in themselves for not accomplishing or reaching the resolutions they set.

 

 

 

Here are a few of the most common New Year’s resolutions that people normally set:

1. Start working out or exercise more

2. Lose weight

3. Eat more healthy

4. Stop smoking

5. Drink less alcohol

6. Save money

7. Get organized

 

 

Let me be clear and explain what I mean…it’s not the actual resolution itself that is unrealistic or unreasonable, it is the manner in which these resolutions are set. Your overall mindset has a lot to do with the goals and expectations we set for ourselves. Changing your mindset and your outlook on things will lead you to accomplishing more of the goals you set for yourself.

 

Food for thought…instead of making resolutions, make some lifestyle changes that you are more likely to stick to.

 

Making lifestyle changes as opposed to resolutions

These resolutions always sound good, and you start out strong on accomplishing them.  But as the year progresses, they get harder and harder to keep up with.  Want to know why?  These are unreasonable and unrealistic goals.  I’ve learned over the years after failing at accomplishing my resolutions, that the common resolutions are so overwhelming to do all at once.  I chose to do a few at a time, and I had better results.  Maybe try a few of these each year, but trying to do them all at once makes it almost impossible to complete.

 

 

 

 

 

With that being said,  I think that it’s time to make some goals and set some intentions that are actually reasonable and realistic, and that you will definitely be able to accomplish!  By the end of the year, you’ll have hopefully developed a few new lifestyle habits that are a part of your daily life and that you can carry and build upon going in to a new month, new year and throughout your life!

 

 

 

Monthly lifestyle ideas to have your best year yet

These monthly habits are designed to be set and accomplished over time. They are simple enough to adapt to your every day life!

 

January

Get more sleep:

Getting enough sleep is good for your heart, mind, and overall wellness. Making sure you’re well rested on a regular basis is a good activity to add to your self care practice.

 

 

 

February

Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness is a way to be aware of thoughts & feelings.  It helps to reduce stress and strengthens mental health.

 

 

 

March

Take up an anti-stress activity:

Yoga, meditation, coloring books & gardening are inexpensive ways to reduce your stress levels.  Less stress leads to a better you!

 

 

 

April

Value experiences over things:

Plan a weekend getaway, plan a family night once a week, take a spur of the moment drive…These experiences are so much more valuable than buying things.  Create memories.  Experiences last longer than items.

 

 

 

May

Learn a new skill:

Learning a new skill will get you out of your comfort zone.  Dance class, a cooking class, a new language, sewing & ceramics are just a few suggestions.  You may end up finding something that you never knew you were good at!

 

 

 

June

Start a journal:

Write down your goals, your dreams, or your thoughts in a journal.  Writing can release stress and can be therapeutic.  Try writing in your journal at least once a week.

 

 

 

July

Unplug and unwind:

Put away technology for at least an hour and devote that time to yourself and/or your loved ones.  Talk about your day, play a game, or spend quality time together doing something you all enjoy.

 

 

 

August

Get outside & enjoy nature:

Go on a walk, a bike ride, go to the park, or go camping.  Getting outside is a good way to reduce stress and take a step back.  Nature has so much to offer, take advantage of it!

 

 

 

September

Complete a 30 Day Challenge:

Participate in a 30 Day Challenge of your choice.  Challenges related to fitness, health, money-saving, organization, fashion & gratitude are all popular challenges.  There are so many other activity challenges you can do; just do an online search for a topic you are interested in.

 

 

 

October

Read a book:

Take time to start reading a book.  Reading is a relaxing activity.  Find a book on the bestseller list, or ask a friend for a recommendation.

 

 

November

Practice generosity:

Volunteer your time at a charity or organization for a cause that interest you.  Volunteering and giving back to others leaves a positive impact on you as well.

 

 

 

December

Start one thing you’ve been putting off:

Whether it’s a small task that you’ve been putting off forever, or something big that you’ve been wanting to start; just get started on it!  Break it up into smaller chunks, and work on it throughout the month.

 

 

 

Related post: How to live a life filled with gratitude

 

What to take from this

Many of these monthly activities can be shared and done with others in your family and friends.  Besides, it is much easier to accomplish your goals when you have someone working alongside you and to encourage you!  I don’t know about you, but accomplishing my goals is SO much easier when I have someone working towards similar goals and I also have the encouragement and support of my family and friends.  Without their support, I wouldn’t achieve half of what I actually do!

 

 

 

 

So grab your better half, your kids, and your friends and start knocking out those goals!  Be the best version of yourself and invest in yourself!

Remember…the best way to succeed and accomplish goals is to create new lifestyle habits and changes that are easily attainable and realistic!

 

You’re on your way to a better you! Feel free to share some of your lifestyle changes and goals with me in the comments. I would love to hear what you’re doing to improve your life overall!

 

Cheers to great months and years ahead!

Anitra J.