The new year is a time for reflection on your lifestyle and many people choose to make resolutions to become better and healthier in January. But, come the end of the month, most of those resolutions go out the window and we’re back to our old ways. Make 2019 the year you overcome by following these four simple self-improvement steps.
1. Set yourself up for success. According to many lifestyle coaches, having the right environment can make you more likely to succeed, no matter what your goal. Start by decluttering your bedroom, office and kitchen. When you wake up each morning to a neat space your mind can relax and focus on the task at hand.
2. Surround yourself with the kind of people you want to emulate. Take a look at your inner circle – are you spending time with people who are smarter than you? More motivated? More successful? If not, actively seek out these people by joining a leadership group, social club, gym or bible study. They will lift you up and expand your horizons without even trying.
3. Take smaller bites. This applies to food as well as metaphorically to life. When you bite off more than you can chew, it can lead to stress and failure. Tackle big projects by breaking them down into small tasks. Choose one thing you want to improve on and do it for 30 days. Make a promise to yourself and stick with it. Even if it is as small as drinking one less soda each day or as large as quitting smoking. When you hyper-focus on one thing it becomes a part of your lifestyle and then it is no longer a source of distress.
4. Learn to say no. This one is a spin-off from number three above. If someone asks you to volunteer and you just do not have the time, it is OK to decline. If your goal is to save money, it is OK to say no to a dinner out with friends. Your child does not have to attend every single birthday party their classmates invite them to. If a coworker asks you to help with a task that is outside of your regular duties, tell them you do not have the capacity. By saying no to extraneous responsibilities, you can better focus on what you need to achieve.