It starts the same every year: we promise ourselves we'll lose that 10 pounds or stop smoking as a New Year's resolution, and by about Jan. 5, the novelty and motivational power of the calendar rolling over have lost out. We break that resolution, and end up feeling guilty about it.
So this year, why not pick a more modest, more "doable" resolution which will make you feel good. Just accomplishing a goal is reward in itself, but many of these small deeds can really make us feel good.
Here are 10 suggestions for a resolution you can do now:
1. Make a donation. We know, you've maxed out your credit card over the holidays or at least spent your ready reserve. But a donation doesn't need to be large to be effective. Americans showed during catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina or the 2004 tsunami that many, small gifts are just as valuable as a few big ones.
2. Do something only kids usually do. Build a snowman, grab some friends and play a game of kick-ball or go sledding. Kids do these things for a reason: they're fun. You're allowed to have fun every now and then, too.
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3. Read a book. Stop at a local bookstore or at the public library, and choose something you'll enjoy reading right now -- not that book you feel like you should read. Read for enjoyment, even if it's only a magazine.
4. Sit quietly in nature. OK, this week might not be optimal weather to commune with Mother Nature, but remember you have a whole year to accomplish this. You can, and should, find at least an hour to sit quietly in nature and soak in all that goes on in the world.
5. Talk to a relative -- with a purpose. Maybe you've always meant to talk to grandpa about his service in the military, or ask your aunt for that fantastic cookie recipe. Talk to someone in your family with the goal of learning from them. Too often our interactions with family gravitate toward small-talk like the weather or health concerns. Talk to someone and learn from them -- you'll feel much richer for doing so.
There are five ideas - which cost little or no money -- which can enrich your life by getting them accomplished. After all, that 10 pounds will always be there next year.
