And here we are. Another year has come and gone as the next one comes in. It's exciting. This is that time of year when everyone takes all the things they have failed to do in the past years and puts them on a to-do list for this year under that quaint term New Year's Resolution. Now I am aware that I probably sound like a bit of a cynic at this point but bear with me. New Year's resolutions have never been my thing. I have always thought that if I saw something that needed changed or a goal that needed reached I could do it anytime of the year and that the New Year wasn't enough motivation to really help much. However, I do realize that for some these resolutions are a point of change and they are able to find the necessary motivation with the dawn of a new year. So this year I have decided to set some goals. A lot has changed this past year and it is a great time to take a step back and reevaluate my life and direction. I have not finished this list yet but I will share it soon. For now I would like to share a thought I had today while doing some research. What if we set "Preventative Resolutions"? Just a thought, but it might just work. I was doing some research and I came across an an article by About.com that listed the Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions. I would like to share those and offer an example of what I mean by "Preventative Resolutions".
Here we go…
Number One: “Spend More Time with Family & Friends
Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.”
This is a great resolution and very worthy of our efforts. So in "Preventative" terms lets resolve to not lose touch with our family and friends but continue to cultivate those relationships so that we will be closer to them at the end of this year.
Number Two: "Fit in Fitness
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better."
Again preventative, let's resolve to exercise at least as much we did last year and not let anything else crowd exercise out of our schedules.
Number Three: "Tame the Bulge
Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds."
Let us eat with a diet that will prevent us from having to continue or reaching a place where we need to place this on our resolution list in the future.
Number Four: "Quit Smoking
If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good."
This may sound oversimple but for those of us who don't smoke how about making it a goal to not start smoking as well as prevent our loved ones from starting to smoke.
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!"
Here is a good one. Instead of vowing to enjoy life more how about vowing to be less negative about life. Work this year to prevent the negativity that sucks our enjoyment of life away.
Number Six: "Quit Drinking
While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available."
Again if you don't drink. Resolve not to start. If you do in "moderation" resolve not to give yourself occasion to drink more. Discourage those you love from starting to drink. Think "Preventative".
Number Seven: "Get Out of Debt
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead."
Yet another great resolution, but we are thinking preventative here. The best way out of debt is not get into it in the first place. If you are not currently in debt it would be in your best interest to stay that way. Watch your spending. Credit cards are more damaging than they are helpful as a rule. Don't get into ANY unnecessary debt. If you are currently in debt then resolve to start no new debt this year. This will prevent the problem from compounding and allow you to be able to focus on paying off your current debt. One more thought. Take a debt management class BEFORE you have a debt problem.
Number Eight: "Learn Something New
Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep."
This one isn't near as daunting as some of the previous ones; nevertheless, resolve to keep up with your current education and knowledge. As they say if you don't use it you lose it. Make time to continue to learn in the areas you already enjoy the most.
Number Nine: "Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help."
This is a very praiseworthy goal. What if we were to resolve to not live selfishly this year? What if we were to resolve to do everything we can to prevent ourselves from becoming self-absorbed this year?
Number Ten: "Get Organized
On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life."
Finally, to prevent future disorganization stay on top of the things that are currently organized. Prevent those things from becoming disorganized. Or take the area in your life that has the greatest potential for chaos and disarray and work to organize and maintain that area.
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