Starting the New Year with a New Mindset

New Year’s resolutions don’t always stick—in fact, for some people, they never take off. The resolutions that seem to be the frontrunners are losing weight, eating healthier, saving money, and quitting a bad habit. Just pairing up those four resolutions could work together—eating healthier would probably help with weight loss and saving money. Quitting a bad habit, such as smoking, would definitely save money and probably lead to making healthier food choices. It would seem that if resolutions work together, keeping them going would be easier.

Resolutions don’t have to make you cringe or fill you with dread. You are in charge of making your list, so throw in some fun stuff.

• Make a resolution to broaden your musical tastes. Sample music genres you don’t normally listen to. With a lot of crossover and collaborations, you may find new vibes for your new workout.
• Add one new recipe to your lunch/dinner menu. Even if you don’t cook, you’ll have one more than you did before! Besides, not all recipes require cooking. Salads, smoothies, and parfaits are three examples.
• Read a book in a genre that you don’t normally select. If you don’t ever read books, this is even easier. You can make a resolution to read ONE book this year. If you get a book that is less than 365 pages long, reading one page a day will result in success.

Change Your Mindset

Resolutions or any project can be tough to tackle without the proper mindset. The phrase “mind over matter” is more powerful than some people believe. Do your research and find what works best for you. Sites such as Body Makes Sense  give recommendations on books, essential oils, products, and resources to adjust your mindset. Courses are offered that promote mental and emotional resilience.

Broaden Your Musical Tastes

Even if you don’t fall in love a new genre, you may come away with a couple new songs on your playlist, and you made an attempt—cha-ching! You fulfilled another resolution. Here’s a mixture of songs or pick your own.

Best of You – Andy Grammar with Elle King

I Need to Go Somewhere – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Sinister – Taylor Acorn

Same Beer Different Problem – Darius Rucker

Ready for a Good Time – Art of Dying

Lost – Hunter Brothers

A Special Place – Danielle Bradbery

South On 65 – Hillions

Pocket Knife – Bronze Radio Return

Read a Book

With the number of books available that cover any topic imaginable, it’s easy to acquire a paperback, Kindle, or audio selection. If you’re not a reader—where to start?

Tips for non-readers: Since many movies and TV shows are adapted from books, it may be interesting to pick up a book that influenced a movie or show you like. If you choose a shorter book as opposed to a five-hundred-page novel, you have a better chance at finishing it. An audio book would work well for a long work commute by car. Kindle books are convenient because you can read them on your phone while you’re on your exercise bike or waiting in line at the grocery. Also, don’t think because you’re an adult that you can’t read children’s books. Harry Potter is technically middle grade, written for children ages 8 to 12. The Hunger Games book series is Young Adult, which is typically 12 to 18 years old.

So go ahead and make a New Year’s resolution that you don’t dread. Learn twenty words in a different language, write a poem, paint a craft, go to a park you’ve never been to and take a walk, have a picnic, rent a bike or ride one you have that’s been collecting cobwebs. The possibilities are endless. Whatever you select, make it a positive. Here’s to a wonderful 2023!

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