To start: don’t panic. Begin with the confidence that you can do it, and take it step by step. The journey is long and there’s no need to rush—take your time. A good habit can take a while to become part of your routine. Don’t let past failures define you; every year is different. We’re not looking back—we’re thinking about the future and how it can be better.
Better nutrition
A simple goal that can do a lot for your health and wellbeing. It may feel hard at first, but when you notice the benefits of this change, it can give you the drive to keep going. Adding more fruit and vegetables might sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to force it—the shift can be gradual. You can choose what you like and explore alternatives. Change how you used to cook them and present a nicely arranged plate so it appeals to you. That way you tempt yourself, and over time you may change your mind about a food you didn’t used to like. Find what works best for you and don’t push too hard; food is meant to be enjoyed.
Learn a new skill
Start with something you may have dropped in the past, or get ideas from the endless options you can find online. Don’t despair if nothing jumps out at first—the process of discovery is part of the fun. Take a piece of paper, write down your interests and see what emerges. In the back of your mind, keep in mind what makes you happy and fulfilled, and choose that—so you can keep coming back to it with the same enthusiasm.
Read more books
To broaden your knowledge and discover new worlds and stories, there’s no better way than a good book. Reading opens your mind, sparks creativity and can make you wiser. It can affect you in ways you don’t expect—move you, excite you—and one thing is certain: you have a lot to gain from this habit. It may not be easy if you haven’t tried for a while or it’s been years since you picked up a book, but you don’t have to start with a long, difficult one that will wear you out. Start with something short and close to your interests.
Give away what you don’t need
You may have heard of minimalism: the idea of making space only for what’s essential and not holding on to things we don’t use. That doesn’t mean everything is junk—throwing away what we don’t need is damaging for the planet and ultimately for our own lives. We can give to a friend, relative or partner something that isn’t worn or broken and can be reused. If we’re not comfortable giving those items to people we know, there are local and other organisations that collect things and pass them on to those in need, so we’re not stuck with them. With this practice we do good for ourselves and for others.
Time to drop a bad habit
You might think it’s impossible at first—but with the right plan and people around you willing to support you, you can do it, just as many others have. If the habit is really tough and you’ve tried and failed before, don’t give up: there are specialists in every area now, and if you look around you may find free support online too. A bad habit is easy to pick up and hard to break, so don’t be hard on yourself; the process can take time. Ease up and let things find their way.
Walk more
A sedentary lifestyle is a big issue today—more and more people spend hours in a chair with little physical activity or relaxation. Walking is one of the best things you can do for your physical health if you don’t already exercise. The feeling that we’re taking care of ourselves and our health can boost our confidence. It can also support weight management, give you more energy and wellbeing, and is a habit worth building into your daily life. You don’t have to do it alone—take a friend, your partner, your child or your pet, and you can socialise and move at the same time.
Travel more
When we think about planning a trip we often focus on cost—it’s usually the main reason we don’t do it more often. But if we think about it, we can plan a day trip with friends without spending a fortune. We can go somewhere nearby or host people at a place we usually go to alone, so the experience feels richer. We can also set off on a road trip to nearby villages and try new flavours at local restaurants or cafés. When we talk about travel we don’t necessarily mean going abroad or staying in a hotel—let’s open our minds and think in more practical, flexible ways.
Choose for this year to be full of new experiences. Build habits that support you so you can look forward to a better future. You have the power to grow. Wanting or thinking about it isn’t enough—start today.
For more on reaching your goals, see Mindset: How to Change It When It’s Limiting Your Life and 10 Habits of Happy People.
Happy Life Team
