Simple Tips to Bring Your Best Self Into the New Year
As you enter the new year, you may have a list of resolutions to help you build better habits and make it your best year yet. And although this sentiment can be encouraging in the beginning, you may find yourself feeling frustrated and disappointed in your progress as the months roll along.
Instead, consider changing your list of resolutions to a more “New Year, Self Care” approach. So, ditch those huge resolutions, and switch things up with these simple tips to bring your best self into the new year.
1. Own Your Happy
Often, we lose ourselves in the busyness of our daily lives — work, children, social obligations, relationships, household chores… There’s hardly any time left in the day to do things you enjoy!
This year, promise to dedicate more time for yourself and the activities that truly bring you joy. In essence, own your happiness, elevate yourself, and unapologetically implement your self-care goals for the new year. Try things like:
- Start a journal
- Practice meditation
- Volunteer
- Take yourself on dates
- Spend time in nature
- Reduce negative influences in your life
- Become a happier person by changing your attitude to one of gratitude
- Learn more about nutrition
2. Develop New Habits by Customizing Your Long-Term Goals
This year, take a little time to evaluate yourself, who you’d like to be, and what you’d like to get better at. How does the new you look, act, and speak? Are you a better guitarist, a stronger public speaker, or a successful CEO? Have fun with the process and customize those broad, long-term goals.
If you’d like to become a better reader, for example, break that down into more manageable, bite-sized chunks. Try reading 10 minutes a day, three times a week, and as the year progresses, continue to customize, grow, and expand upon your goal until you’re where you want to be. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Remain patient and be gentle with yourself.
3. Find Your Tribe
Seek out people that fill your proverbial cup. Having a tribe can help alleviate any angst you may feel when trying new things.
Start by making a list of adjectives that best describe you — academic, creative, selfless, ambitious, thrill seeker, etc. — and align that with a community of people that are most similar to you. For example, if one of your attributes is “Nature Enthusiast,” sign up to get your scuba diving license or join a hiking group. You’re sure to meet people along the way that share your enthusiasm for mother nature.
What if you’re more of a creative? Find programs and locations that other artists like yourself might frequent, such as a Painting with a Twist event or music festival. In short, create a safe haven of people that help steer you towards fulfilling your goals of self-care for the new year. Here are a few tips for finding your tribe:
- Attend Programs and Meetups in your area
- Become more open to spontaneous conversations
- Lend a helping hand to others
- Join Facebook groups
- Frequent places you enjoy
- Travel
4. Say Yes
That camping trip your friends invited you to might sound more laborious than lying around in your PJs and watching Rom-Coms all weekend, but it doesn’t bring new experiences, closer bonds, or lasting memories. Try being open to new adventures because you truly never know what’s on the other side. And if opting out becomes a habit, you could lose out on some of the greatest joys life has to offer.
Burst through your fears, get out of your comfort zone, and say “Yes!” to new experiences and opportunities you’ve grown comfortable saying “No” to.
Whether your self-care new year’s resolutions involve developing new habits, saying “Yes” to new adventures, or finding your tribe, Painting with a Twist can help you get the ball rolling! Choose a painting event at your local studio, and embark upon the new year with a more creative, happier, and self-assured you!