Life Tips for the New Year

Unfortunately, according to research collated by Inc., only about 8% of people who make New Year’s resolutions are able to actually keep them. While keeping a resolution might be difficult, there are still dozens of ways to make your year better and brighter than the one before. Here are a few life tips that might make 2020 your best year yet.

 Set Goals, Not Resolutions 

As mentioned above, the success rate for New Year’s resolutions is abysmally low. Still, that doesn’t mean that the New Year isn’t a good chance to make a change— you just need to switch your approach a little. Rather than make resolutions, Forbes recommends setting goals instead. 

Goals are more concrete and actionable, and allow you to track your progress. Try setting a specific goal for each aspect of your life, such as relationships, career, and personal growth, and see how you do by the end of the year. 

 Update Your Resume 

Whether you’re safe and happy in your employment or looking to take the next step in your career, updating your resume every year is a habit you should be cultivating. By doing this, it gives you a good idea of your progress from a professional standpoint and helps you set your career goals for the year.

Aviation JobNet recommends asking for second and third opinions on your resume from people you trust and includes a list of components that you should be focusing on. These components include your education and qualifications, employment history, problems you solved personally, and notable and unique skills, among others.

 Use the Buddy System 

Making a change can be tough, especially if you’re planning on taking big lifestyle shifts in 2020. To make this a little easier on yourself, try finding a buddy who has the same goals as you. You can help track each other’s progress, as well as provide encouragement and support. 

For example, WebMD suggests finding a buddy for dieting, as it creates a support and accountability system that makes the entire process easier. The road to self-improvement can be tough, yes, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.

 Start Fresh— Everywhere 

It may sound cliché, but there really isn’t any better time for a fresh start than the New Year. According to Scientific American, special occasions like the New Year or birthday are what we call temporal landmarks or meaningful events that stand out in the psyche. Because this season is so meaningful, it’s easier to make bigger changes here than at any point in the year. That’s why you should maximize the opportunity and make fresh starts in as many aspects of your life as possible. Clean out your house, start a new hobby or habit, and cultivate better habits— this is the best time of year for it, and you may thank yourself down the road.