New Years Resolutions - Can You Keep Them?

Welcome to the year 2022. Considering how 2021 ended, with the passing of Betty White, and all of the events that happened over the year, it is always good to try and reset things. Be optimistic for the New Year. And yes, make some resolutions.

According to GoSkills.com the top 10 resolutions that are made every year:

Exercise more
Lose weight
Get organized
Learn a new skill or hobby
Live life to the fullest
Save more money / spend less money
Quit smoking
Spend more time with family and friends
Travel more
Read more

The first two are certainly on my list. I have some health problems that might go away or at least be easier to address if I focus on the top two. Overall, I am pretty organized, I have hobbies that keep me occupied and I am not a smoker. As for the money part, in a few months, I will be able to save more money because I will have paid off my car, couch and washer and dryer. I don't smoke, and despite my relocation, I stay in contact with my friends back home and family as well.

But resolutions are often hard to keep. So how can you keep them? Here are a few ideas on how to do just that courtesy of GoSkills.com:

Be mentally prepared for change. Celebrate the small successes. Stay positive. And build on the small changes.

Set a goal that will motivate you. Make sure your goals are for you and have value and benefit for you. Make sure they align with your top priorities.

Limit your resolutions to a manageable amount. Know your limitations and prioritize your goals.

Be specific and create a plan on how you are going to achieve that. If they are small and attainable you will have a better chance to succeed. Break up big goals into smaller ones and write them down. Share those resolutions with others. Telling other people about your goals gives you a sense of obligation and accountability, as peer pressure can work as your motivation to achieve your goals. You might find people with the same goals and you can work on achieving them together.

Review your resolutions regularly, and if you fall off track, get back to it quickly. Leave room for mistakes. They will happen.

I wish you all the luck in any resolutions you make for 2022. Here's hoping they lead to big successes.