Creative New Year Resolution Ideas

Since we’ve all survived the Mayan apocalypse (let’s see about the fiscal cliff), then January 1st 2013 will arrive as planned. That means it’s time for new year resolution ideas. I could talk about a few of the traditional new year resolution ideas like weight loss, but I’d rather focus on a few unique, but possible ideas for your new years resolution.

Be More Mindful

Think about your previous year. If you’re like the typical adult, it went way too fast and much of it was a blur. Heck, the previous two weeks, the time around Christmas, may have seemed to go the fastest! And, it is supposed to be one of the most meaningful times of the entire year.
This year a good New Year Resolution idea is to be more mindful. This largely means paying attention. Take a break from the hustle and the bustle and simply take in your surroundings. Do this frequently, not only at moments throughout the day, but also in longer breaks (like spending a Saturday in nature).
You can start being mindful simply by breathing. Become aware of your breath, then the rest of your body and finally move to the world around you. Start for five minutes and see how long you can go. Being more mindful in the new year will help your mental health. It’ll also help you pay more attention to those in your life. A good book on mindfulness is Mindfulness For Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
In the video below we explain a little more about mindfulness, and show how it should not be done!

Go Easy on the Gadgets

This is related to the first advice to be more mindful. Own the technology; don’t let it own you. Way too much time in life is wasted staring at a screen. Between computers, tablets, smart phones, video games, and televisions, it’s amazing some people even get a glimpse of the world outside of a screened in box.
I love technology, but I love living in the real world even more. Don’t try to give up the gadgets (an unrealistic goal). Instead, limit your time on the computer or phone. And, use those gadgets to connect in the real world. For example, use your phone to meet up with a friend in real life.

Start a Business

Surveys show that people generally hate their jobs. In fact, one study showed the job dissatisfaction number at over ninety percent! Two reasons people hate their work are because they have no control and feel they aren’t making a difference. They feel powerless, like hamsters stuck on a spinning wheel, going nowhere with no meaning.
One way to get out of this rut is to start your own business. This gives you control and lets you pick something you can be passionate about. The best way to find a business idea is to find a need and try to meet that need. If it aligns with a passion of yours, then it’s even better. Start small and build slowly. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
A couple of great books on starting a business are Effortless Entrepreneur By Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman and Millionaire Fastlane by MJ Demarco.

Do An Act of Kindness Each Day

One of the best new year resolution ideas is to resolve to make at least one person’s life better each day of the year. It can be as simple as buying someone’s coffee in line behind you to donating something to the local food bank. Not only will this new year resolution idea help someone in need, it will also help you feel better. Giving of ourselves is great for our mental health.
So, while you can resolve to lose weight or get fit (and these are great goals), try these creative new year resolution ideas to have an amazing (and unique) new year.

Source:  thepopularman.com