It’s that time of the year again. We throw away last year’s calendars, hang up those “bad” habits, and start afresh. We promise ourselves that 2019 will be our year and adopt that cliche mantra of “new year, new me.”
We set goals for ourselves the moment that colorful ball drops at the stroke of midnight. Whether we want to start a new job, move somewhere different, lose some weight, or even put ourselves out there to meet that special someone, we all set the bar high.
These resolutions put a lot of unnecessary pressure on ourselves. I don’t know why we do this, but I do know that we are each only one person. Instead of expecting the new year to change everything automatically, we need to have faith in ourselves to kick the bad habits. Instead of expecting instant results, we need to be patient with the transition and accept that things take time. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, right?
So, if you are working towards some of these major goals in the new year, keep reading! Whether you are searching for a new job or seeking your soulmate, I’ve got some great advice for you.
Getting That New Job
If you want to work somewhere new, take baby steps. Touch up your resume and fill out some applications to companies that pique your interest . You should make a pros and cons list for each job opportunity. Which place pays more? Where are you going to most enjoy going each morning? That new job isn’t going to fall out of the sky. It takes effort and time.
Pack Your Things and Go
If you dream of moving someplace different and experiencing another lifestyle, quit psyching yourself out and just do a little research! Make a list of areas you where you’d like to start anew. Next, research the cost of living, job prospects, and anything else you’d like to know. Something I do when researching places to visit or move to is see what people are saying about the area on Reddit or YouTube. Sometimes the information you receive will either reel you in more or help you realize that city isn’t the place for you. The world is a big place, full of so many unique areas to explore. Some folks weren’t meant to stay put in one place forever, so don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons.
Get Fit
The gym advertisements start to pop up right around the beginning of the year. Don’t let people who are in shape or the fear of not succeeding scare you out of picking up your phone or turning on your computer and signing up for a gym membership. If the gym isn’t for you, try planning out times in your day to walk. You can even text one of your buds and ask them to go for a walk or make a playlist to get you excited to exercise. Walking is an excellent way to get your blood flowing, and adding some of your favorite tunes or the company of a good friend can take your mind of the day’s stresses while making the time more enjoyable.
Meeting “The One”
It’s easy to feel discouraged and fear rejection. As I tell myself, though, “What’s the worst that could happen?” The worst disservice you can ever do to yourself is hide from potential happiness. Just think of it this way: There’s a chance your “special someone” is hiding and feels the same way you do. You’ll never meet each other if you both remain in the quicksand of your thoughts and fears. Be brave. Do the thing. Put yourself out there and let the universe do the rest.
So, what are you going to do?
We often feel like we need to wake up on New Year’s Day and have it all figured out. That’s not entirely true, and we need to be patient with ourselves. We can’t remain still, or we’ll never progress. But remember, things take time; there’s always a process. Life would be very boring if everything were handed to us. We appreciate the things we work for over time. I believe in myself, and I believe in you, too. The bad habits and procrastination end now. It’s time to start the journey towards the life we want to live, whatever that may be.
Feature Image by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
