It’s a new year and everybody’s going to be setting up those crazy resolutions that may or may not make it past January. Here are some more practical ways to be a better you in 2014.
1. Learn a new language
Some people think that dealing with one language is enough. Learning a new language at your own pace is a way to acquaint yourself with different cultures. It can open your mind to possibilities and it can even open doors to new opportunities.
2. Step out of your comfort zone
Just like when you hit a plateau when exercising, you can hit a plateau living life. Things become too routine and comfortable but it doesn’t help you to grow. Shake up your routine by doing something different like going out for breakfast on Sunday morning with a book or talking to different people at a party where you mostly hang out in a corner.
3. Set audacious goals
These are the types of goals that you never thought you could do for whatever reason. For example, if you’ve always wanted to write a book but were too scared, then take little steps to doing it. Once you accomplish your audacious goals, you’ll feel on top of the world and may even be ready to tackle a few more.
4. Compartmentalize
Everything has its place and 2014 is the year to make more of an effort towards that. If you have people or situations in your life that tend to drain you, then you need to limit your exposure to them or eliminate them altogether. Deciding when, where, and how much of your time you want to spend with certain people in certain situations gives you more control of your life.
5. Work on your strategic mind
Thinking strategically is one of the best ways to sharpen your mind and augment your brain power. Games like chess can help you build up your analytical skills. As you learn how to figure your way out of sticky situations in the game, you’ll be surprised how handy those skills work in real life.
6. Read more
Books are source of wisdom, perspective, and even fun. You could pick up inspirational books from Stephen Covey, Dale Carnegie or turn to the classics, like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, or contemporary writers like Michael Connelly or Isabel Allende. Reading expands your creativity.
7. Let go of the past
Everybody has at least one thing in the past that gnaws at them. Forgive yourself. Know that what you did was what you thought was best at the time and just let it go.
8. Stop/Reduce TV time
Reality TV is tempting and that’s exactly what the networks want but a lot of it is just mind-numbing. The time spent building your life around the TV schedule could be used to enjoy your hobby or connect with friends. If there are certain shows you have to watch, save them for a special time.
9. Take a break
It’s a rite of passage to work for 18 hours a day and get little sleep. The problem is you get tired and dull. Taking a break is not a sin; it’s a way to get your energy back so you can be more productive, not less.
10. Start a new business
If you’ve always wanted to start a business around a hobby you love then do it. Brainstorm your ideas, make a plan, research, and learn more about some business basics and get started!
