Growing up in the shadows of your sibling
Many of us get an end-of-year epiphany. We realize that we have not been living our lives to the fullest, so we make it a New Year's resolution to start making the most out of every day.
Your goals must be relevant to help keep you motivated. They must be in line with your priorities and aspirations for the future.
A tried and tested way to do this is to set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable (or achievable), Relevant (or realistic), and Timely (or time-bound).
Those piano lessons you've always wanted, or that language you've been meaning to learn. Mastering a new skill or taking up a new hobby can be very rewarding.
This will depend on your preference. You can use post-it notes, memos on your cellphone, a pin-up board at home, etc. It all boils down to what works for you.
It's easy to get carried away and try to achieve a number of things at the same time. Especially when these goals will have a big impact in your life. But changing bad habits and implementing new ones can be very challenging, so take it one step at a time.
Break your goals down into very specific steps. For instance, if you want to start working out, you break the goal into these steps: 1. decide which activity; 2. find a gym; 3. enroll in the gym; 4. start by going once a week, then twice, and so on.
Spending more time with friends and family is another popular New Year's resolution. It's important to nurture our relationships with those who matter the most to us. You will feel better, and so will your loved ones.
Starting to work out, or simply exercising more, is a popular New Year's resolution. It all boils down to being healthier, and exercise is a key part of this.
Most of us would like to travel more. Visiting a new place is always a wonderful experience, so it's a popular choice when it comes to making New Year's resolutions.
Our hectic lifestyles hardly leave us enough time to read the news on our smartphones, let alone a book. But reading is great for the brain, so it's definitely a good resolution to take on.
Some people feel like they're cruising through life aimlessly and are not sure where to go, how to do it, and why. Setting a life vision and being methodical about it can be a legitimate New Year's resolution.
You may choose to put more work into the areas you didn't make as much progress in, but it's also important to celebrate the ones where you have!
This is a great way to keep track of your goals and to motivate you. For instance, "lose 5 lbs/2 kg" is a measurable goal, whereas "lose weight" isn't.
If possible, find someone with similar New Year's resolutions. You might end up with a gym buddy, or swapping recipes with a friend. Everyone benefits from some extra motivation.
Share your New Year's resolutions with others. This will make you more accountable, and puts healthy pressure on yourself to keep on top of your goals.
Sources: (Journal of Clinical Psychology)
See also: Movies starring New Year's Eve
The New Year can be the perfect time to make good financial decisions. Usually spending less and saving more is the way to go.
We've all done it at some point in our lives. The thought of losing a bit of weight, looking and feeling better, is appealing. This makes it a popular New Year's resolution.
The New Year is the perfect time to set out new goals and try to change your life for the better. But how many times have you made a New Year's resolution and failed to keep it? In this gallery, we give you the right tools to succeed and achieve your goals for the new year.
How to keep your New Year's resolutions
Know the best tips to reach your goals
LIFESTYLE Nye
The New Year is the perfect time to set out new goals and try to change your life for the better. But how many times have you made a New Year's resolution and failed to keep it? In this gallery, we give you the right tools to succeed and achieve your goals for the new year.