We start every new year with a list of resolutions, and most of the time, one person’s resolutions are pretty much like the other’s. Lose weight, give up alcohol, be a better person, yadda yadda. All well and good, but those big-ticket items tend to mask nasty little habits we should strive to ditch for good. Here’s are seven mini-resolutions that really make sense.
1. Stop cussing
Cussing is a great way to vent pent-up emotions, but let’s face it: the vocabulary is limited and lacks imagination. Display your literary side by memorising a few choice insults from greats like Shakespeare. Among his gems are: “More of your conversation would infect my brain”, “You ramping fool”, or “You diffused infection of a man!” Ouch, ouch, and ouch.
Not only will you look smarter than they, but they’ll be too speechless to think of a comeback.
2. Stop hanging out with friends who aren’t good for you
You wore matching dresses to grad and shared your worst secrets. We get it; you’ve been friends a long time. But if you find yourself wondering why, maybe you should re-examine the relationship. Are you in a better or worse mood after you spend time with this person? How do you feel about yourself when you two are done talking?
If your old buddy tires you out or encourages you to backslide into vices you thought you’d conquered, it’s time to cut the tie that binds. Gently, kindly, but firmly set yourself free.
3. Stop letting time slip through your fingers
How much time do you spend on the road, standing in line, or waiting on others every day? Multiply that by 7. Then by 4. Then by 12. Got the picture? Find ways to make every second count. Never leave the house without a book. If you’re driving, slip in an audiobook or a meditation chant, anything that will make you feel better or increase your knowledge. Claim back those chunks of time that are going down the drain.
4. Stop avoiding your mother
You call your mom once a week to keep your conscience quiet, even though you know you’re in for an earful that includes a list of her current ailments, a complaint about her neighbour’s tree dropping rotten mangoes in her yard, and a demand for an explanation of why you don’t go to church more often.
Stop letting your caller ID be your shield. Little boys and girls grow up, and the balance shifts. She needs your companionship and your ear as much as you once needed hers. If you stopped hiding from her like a naughty puppy, you’ll enjoy your time together more.
5. Stop pleasing people all the time
Yes, Ma’am, no Sir, oh, I really wanted to eat Arabic, but if you feel like Chinese, well . . . okay . . . . Sounds familiar? We as women have a habit of choking down our own wants and needs in order to make others feel better, to be nice, or simply out of the fear that if we stand up for what we want we will be dismissed as a colossal B-word.
Well, what’s so bad about being a colossal B-word sometimes? Because the opposite of that is ‘doormat’, and getting constantly stepped-on is no fun. It leaves you feeling wiped-out — yes, pun most certainly intended — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
So every once in a while, dig in those heels and get what YOU want.
6. Stop living in the past
Brand new year, brand new chance to reinvent yourself and your future. Living in the past is like being stuck in an eternal loop, like in the movie Groundhog Day. It’s not only self-defeating, it’s boring. And pointless.
At some time or other you were stupid, careless, unkind, clueless, and, well, human. Just like everyone else. Forgive yourself and move on.
7. Stop putting yourself down
If your friend was as negative about you as you are about yourself, would you spend time with her? I think not. Make your self-chat more positive. That way, you’ll enjoy your own company better, and give your ego a boost. And voila, a better you.
What habits do you think we should add to the list? Comment here and tell us.
