General

We have recently bid goodbye to 2011 and welcomed 2012 on a very happy note. New year means new beginnings, new challenges and new experiences. And it is also that time of year where everyone is busy listing down their new year’s resolution, so what’s yours? I admit that I’m one of those people who always fail to fulfill my New Year resolutions. Perhaps, one reason for this is the lack of motivation, or maybe I just don’t put in enough effort to be able to stick to the promises I made to myself for the New Year. For others, however, the New Year resolution they set for themselves are just unrealistic. Most of the time, the changes they want to happen in their lives is just something unachievable. For instance, you promised yourself that by 2012, you will go to the gym every single day. But looking at your work schedule, you barely have time to go buy your groceries. Because of this, new year resolutions are mostly expected to fail. But this should not always be the case.

Below are some simple but realistic New Year resolutions that anyone will definitely be able to stick to. The key is to keep them simple. These resolutions may not be anything big but they will certainly be able to provide a positive effect on your life this year.

One of the popular new year resolutions is to stay fit and start an effective exercise regimen. Although gyms are practically everywhere, most gym memberships are often not used, Rather than promising yourself to hit the gym every day, why not set a more doable exercise goal. Staying fit does not mean you need to go to the gym. Increasing your physical activity can actually do the trick. Instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. Another great but simple way to burn calories is by walking or biking to your place of work whenever possible. If your office is located not too far from your home, then walking or biking to your work place every single day will not only allow you to shed off those excess pounds but will also help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Venture out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of ways to accomplish this but it will be different for each of us. Do something that you don’t usually do, like joining a dance class, smiling to strangers, reading a book, traveling alone, or participating in a yoga class. Allow yourself to experience something that you haven’t done before. Try out things that you will normally cross out in your list of things to do.

Cut down on impulse buys. A lot people who are buried in knee-deep debts are mostly impulse buyers. They tend to buy things without thinking. If you are one of them, then 2012 is the perfect year to be in control of your finances. Refrain from buying things on impulse. Or better yet, intentionally leave your credit card at home so you won’t be tempted to buy things that you do no really need at the moment.

These new year resolutions may sound really simple but they can definitely provide a valuable impact on your life for the rest of the year.