After celebrating New Year's Eve, it's time to work on New Year's resolutions! If you're looking for a way to start the new year with a new spirit, consider changing your appearance, organizing your life, and setting goals and objectives. You can do things like get a haircut, donate unused clothes, start an exercise routine, or do more random acts of kindness. Having a schedule is also important for you to stay focused on work, achieve more, have a regular day, and stay positive, which can help you feel happy, which in turn can spread to other people so they feel the same happiness.. Small changes can positively affect those around you, so decide wisely. Whichever approach you choose, starting the new year feeling refreshed and focused is a great way to get you ready for the year ahead.
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Method 1 of 4: Polishing Your Appearance
Step 1. Cut your hair to make your face look fresher
Make an appointment with your hairdresser at the start of the new year. You can request a haircut with a light change or opt for a bold new haircut to make your look completely different. This way, you can feel refreshed throughout the coming year.
- For example, if you have long, straight hair, consider cutting it shoulder-length and adding a few layers.
- If you have a short haircut, consider cutting the sides even shorter for a subtle change. For example, if your hair is in a pixie style, you can shorten it again.
Step 2. Experiment with your appearance by trying something new
Giving something new to your appearance can help you feel more confident as you enter the new year. You can do things like wear bold lipstick, get your face pierced, or update your glasses style. Find out what fits your style and budget, and pick something new!
You can also dye your hair a light color, shop for new clothes, or buy a new pair of shoes
Step 3. Start an exercise routine
Think about your current health and your overall exercise goals, then make a plan to improve your health based on your current state. For example, you can start walking for 20 minutes every day after work. Or you can train to run a marathon in the fall. Start simple and gradually so that you can stick to your goals.
- If you're just starting out, you can find a gym near you and start going three times a week. Walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a time to start.
- If you're a sports fan, set a goal to increase your Body Mass Index or get a six-pack by the end of the year, for example.
Method 2 of 4: Updating Your Attitude
Step 1. Train yourself to be grateful every day so that your life is full of goodness
Practicing gratitude can improve your overall mood and improve your outlook on life. Every day, before going to bed, write down 3 things you are grateful for. Also, express your gratitude towards the people in your life by letting them know that you appreciate them.
For example, you could write things like, “I'm grateful for my cat,” or “I'm grateful for the sunshine today.”
Step 2. Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine
Positive affirmations refer to short, simple sentences that you can use as reminders throughout your day. Using positive affirmations can increase your self-confidence over time, which is beneficial when starting a new year. To work with positive affirmations, find sentences that make an impact on you, such as “I am worthy,” or “I am up to challenges.” Tell yourself this early in the morning and throughout the day when you start to have doubts.
Adapt your affirmations to your particular life and circumstances. For example, if you're trying to be a more supportive friend, your affirmation might sound like "I'm a fun and loyal person."
Step 3. Perform random acts of kindness as often as possible
Random acts of kindness are small, caring acts that will bring happiness into someone else's day. Do this without expecting anything in return, but simply to make the other person's day more pleasant. This is a great way to start the new year positively and passionately.
- You can do things like give sincere compliments, smile at strangers, and volunteer for charities.
- Pick up trash on the side of the road, help elderly people cross the street, or give food to the homeless.
- You can also buy coffee for the person next to you or give a big tip to the waiter.
Method 3 of 4: Tidy Up Your Environment
Step 1. Start cleaning your room thoroughly early on
As soon as you enter the new year, clean your room, kitchen, bathroom, and/or warehouse. Tidy up the messy parts, take out the trash, and get rid of the things that don't belong in the right place. This way, you will enter the new year feeling neat and organized.
Cleaning your car is also a useful thing. Get rid of all the trash, tidy up the dashboard and glove box, for example
Step 2. Sort your clothes and get rid of those that you rarely wear
New Year's is a good time to check out the stash in your wardrobe and get rid of the stuff that no longer fits your body or fits your style. Remove clothes from each of your closets, then make 1 pile of clothes to store and 1 pile of clothes to get rid of. Then, fold your clothes neatly and put them back in the closet or drawer. This will help you to spruce up your room and update your style.
After you've created your “to-get rid of” pile, consider giving your items to friends or family members, or donating them to a thrift or consignment store
Step 3. Add a fresh coat of paint on the walls to make your room look fresher
Consider repainting the walls of your house at the beginning of the year. Cover your floors and furniture with a piece of cloth, then use a roller brush to apply indoor paint to your walls. You can choose a new color to create a different mood, for example.
Step 4. Buy some new decorations to beautify your room
Visit a local thrift or home improvement store, and pick out some new items to set up as decorations. For example, you can buy 2-3 decorative sofa cushions, rugs, lamps, or new bookshelves. Adding some new items can make your home feel fresh and new.
You can also buy small items like paperweights, vases, and magnets
Method 4 of 4: Setting Goals and Intentions
Step 1. Make it a goal to try 1 new thing every month
In addition to your personal resolutions, making an effort to step out of your comfort zone at least once a month will be beneficial. You can schedule 1 new thing each month, or you can choose several things and define activities when the time comes. Regardless, decide to do something you've never done before and learn something new to broaden your horizons and grow as a person.
- Trying new things can be as simple as eating something you've never tried before.
- You can try doing active things like kayaking, horse riding, or skydiving.
- Other ideas include taking a language course, signing up for a yoga studio, or planning a camping trip.
Step 2. Make a to-do list of 20-50 things to try in the coming year
As soon as the new year begins, sit down and grab a notebook and write down a number of things you want to do throughout the year. Choose easy, simple things like “eat more vegetables” or specific, realistic goals like “go back to school.” Add as many things to your list as you like, then cross them off when you've finished them this year. This list provides a useful visual reference when trying to set goals.
- You can use this list to help come up with new ideas to try out each month.
- Ideas for a to-do list might include visiting New York City, picking your own pumpkin, adopting a dog, taking cooking lessons, and going to the beach.
Step 3. Update your curriculum vitae to be ready for new opportunities
As soon as you enter the new year, go through your resume, reread it, and look for ways to improve it. For example, if you start a new job at the end of the year, add it in the “Jobs” section. You can also update the date to match the new year. This way, if you're looking to apply for a job, you'll be ready when the time comes.
You can also update your contact information or address
Step 4. Work on improving your sleep habits
When the new year comes, getting more meaningful and restful sleep is a great goal to add to your list of resolutions. You can set goals to relax more before going to bed, such as showering, drinking chamomile tea, and reading a book. You can also go to bed and wake up around the same time each day to create a natural rhythm. Improving your sleep, in turn, will help you feel focused and energized throughout the year.
- You can also use white noise or nature sounds to help you fall asleep.
- Consider taking a melatonin supplement if you have trouble sleeping. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain to help regulate the sleep cycle. By adding 1-3 mg daily, you can sleep soundly over time.
Expert Advice
Start the new year with renewed vigor with these easy life-changing steps:
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Reflect on last year.
Think about what locations you've been to and what you've accomplished and haven't achieved. Let it show the goals you set for the new year.
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Map out your plan.
Write down a timeline for making the changes and accomplishments you want to achieve over the coming year. Be honest about the vision you have for yourself and set your expectations.
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Ask for help.
Once you've set your goals, don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't assume people will refuse when you ask them for support. Help and accountability come in handy when you make changes.
