| Disclosure: This post is Sponsored By The Cheesecake Factory. It’s Skinny. It’s Delicious. It’s SkinnyLicious™. |
I think almost everyone has visions of becoming New and Improved at the dawn of a new year. I know I do. Every year. Maybe it’s natural? Well, natural or not, feeling pressure to become a newer, better version of your current self can seem daunting. The key for me is to stay positive, and know that these thoughts and feelings are a good thing — think of them as your human Check Engine light.
New Year… New You?
What does being a New You mean? A New You can be something simple, like a New You that doesn’t chew her nails anymore. Or it can be more involved, like a New You that’s now vegetarian. Being a New You can mean a lot of things, like keeping in better touch with friends and family, making healthier food choices and getting more exercise.
How do you become this New You? Whatever your goals are, the most important thing to remember in any self-improvement regimen is that pessimism is the enemy. Negative thoughts about how slow or how little you are improving are toxic, and will likely cause you to give up on your goals. Fortunately, optimism is a deadly weapon against goal-crushing negativity. Believe in the power of positive thinking; celebrate successes, and don’t dwell on failures. We all make mistakes. Set yourself up for success by setting realistic goals, stay focused on making progress, and don’t give up!
The New You is organized. Plain and simple, being organized reduces stress. The times in my life when I have been most happy are also the times when I am most organized. But don’t panic if your organization looks like an episode of Hoarders. (Actually, in that case it might be healthy to panic.) Start by organizing something small, like your purse, junk drawer or even those pesky plastic containers and lids taking over your kitchen. Purge old clothes and electronics that you no longer use, and donate to charity if you are able. And don’t neglect organizing your time; a clean and organized home and calendar will make you more positive and productive.
The New You takes care of your body. I am also most happy when I’m exercising and my body is in its best shape. Notice I said its best shape. Not Jillian Michaels best shape. A huge part of happiness is being comfortable in your own skin, and being more comfortable in your own skin is a great goal for a New You! If you work on what’s beneath your skin through healthful foods and moderate exercise, you will radiate health and confidence. It almost sounds too easy, doesn’t it? And remember, taking care of your body isn’t all about fitness and diet. Be sure to see your doctor and dentist for regular check-ups, and at the first sign that something isn’t right with your body.
New Year? New You! A New You doesn’t have to show on the outside. A New You can be something you feel on the inside. Simply saying hello to neighbors, holding a door open for the person behind you, or being a more patient, courteous driver can do wonders for replacing negativity and stress with a warm heart and a positive outlook. Of course, volunteer work, charitable giving and mentoring can make the New You feel even better on the inside; at least for me, there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of helping others.
So, what does your New You look and feel like? I hope these tips help you realize the New You that you have in mind, and know that I’m right there with you… focusing on progress… staying positive… and fighting off the demons of pessimism. Don’t think for a minute that I embody all of these ideas. I’m just an average betty with a commitment to becoming a New You — err– New Me. Won’t you come along for the bike ride?
