16 resolutions for 2016
There are two fundamental issues with new year's resolutions. The first issue is, you must start them on January 1. If you don't, you're a slacker. The other issue is that a resolution must be something you do all year long, such as exercise, read more, attend church or cook family meals.
I've got a solution for your resolutions. Here are 16 resolutions you should make in 2016. You can complete all of them this year. With this list, you don't have to start them all at once. And some of them only require a singular action ; not something you have to keep doing for 365 days.
1. Do one thing you're afraid to do.
Feel free to make this something small. It doesn't have to be sky diving. How about talking to a complete stranger at work or attending a networking event?
2. Apologize for one thing you need to apologize for.
There's probably someone in your life that you have unintentionally wronged. No? Well, perhaps there is tension with your business partners, an old friend, or co-worker. You should pick someone and tell them you're sorry that the issue has gone so far and the silence has lasted so long. You don't even have to say you were at fault. You'll be extending the proverbial olive branch.
3. Start one thing you've always planned to start.
Again, feel free to make this a small task. If you've always wanted to start a business, and you are really ready to make that move, go for it. It's also ok to simply start reading that book your secret santa gave you.
4. Tell one person how awesome they are.
You can do this with your favorite person in the world, an acquaintance, or your kid's babysitter. Think of someone that has displayed awesomeness (not perfection) and tell them so.
5. Prove one person wrong.
At some point in your life, probably right now, you have had a naysayer. If someone has expressed their skeptism that you would loose weight, stop smoking, join a band, or change your hairstyle, this is your chance to prove them wrong. But, they never have to know. This is for you, not them; you don't have to rub their noses in it.
6. Ask one person for help.
In the parable of the good Samaritan, the Samaritan is seen as the hero. But the person he help is also noteworthy. This man had to accept help from a stranger, a foreigner, and someone from the other side of the track. It's a humbling experience to be vulnerable.
7. Offer to help one person.
When you see someone struggling to carry a box up the stairs or someone has dropped their grocery bag outside the market, stop to help. The opportunity to accomplish this resolution is all around you, if you pay attention.
8. Do one thing no one else is willing to do.
I was talking to a friend recently, and she commented on my tendency to take on the thing no one else wants. When we take kids on an annual youth retreat, no one wants to chaperone the 5 year olds; naturally, I take that group every year. At work, school, church, or in your neighborhood, find out where the help is needed. Call the food bank or the homeless shelther or boys and girls club and find out what day of the week, or time of year, they tend to lack volunteers.
9. Just once, refuse to care what other people think.
Sing karaoke without worrying about sounding horrible. Dance publicly, and don't concern yourself with looking funny. Get on a hooverboard and know that you won't look cool the first time. It's ok. You don't have to be perfect.
10. Spend less time on social media.
If you're doing something productive (like reading this post), social media can be useful. I If you want to solicit help from friends to find a mechanic, social media could be right avenue. However, if you're spending several hours a day scrolling through your facebook, twitter, snapchat and other newsfeeds, it's time to scale back.
11. Tell one person no.
If you tend to overcommit yourself, this one is the resolution for you. Say no to that task, project, or committee that takes up too much of your time or leaves you drained.
12. "Fire" one person.
Most of us have negative people in our lives that we need to stop engaging. Be respectful to them, but don't let them take you to unhealthy places.
13. One time, just let it fly.
Every harsh word from a friend, spouse, or co-worker doesn't have to be corrected or confronted. The teacher doesn't always have to scold the frustrated student. The boss need to lecture every complaining employee. Overlook that slight, just once.
14. Do one thing that's not your job.
At work it's not your job to greet the customer. But do it anyway. At home, it's not your responsibility to take out the trash. But, it might help out your spouse on the day they work late. Do it, even though you don't have to.
15. Embrace one thing another person does.
We have all have colleague who speaks her mind. You know a couple who has a weekly date night. You might have a friend who treats herself to a pedicure once a month. If you've ever thought, 'I wish I could do that' or 'I need to start doing that', there's no better time than now.
16. Call your parents.
If you still have them, call them. They've done a lot for you and they are an important part of who you are. Don't promise yourself that you will visit every week. Just vow to pick up the phone.
