Resolutions Shmesolutions…

The month of February is fast approaching which is something I am pleased to welcome with open arms. After what feels like a very long month we can finally say goodbye to our January blues, farewell to the post-Christmas bloat, and so long to the rubbish new year sales. On a more positive note we can say hello to lighter evenings, that long awaited pay day (yay!), spring collections in stores and the countdown to summer can begin.

The end of January also means you are either well on your way to achieving the resolutions you made at the start of the month, or like many, they may have went out the window with in the first week! If the first option applies to you then congratulations, give yourself a pat on the back. If not, who says you need a whole new year in order to make a change?

I don’t like New Year’s resolutions. In my opinion if something needs to change then there is no time like the present to do it. I like to think of it as less of a ‘resolution’ and more of a lifestyle improvement, a positive change or a goal to work towards. Whatever you decide you want to do, it needs to be something that you really want to do – not just what someone else wants you to. Set yourself a goal to achieve something that will benefit you and make a positive change in your life. Only you really know what you are capable of and if you want it enough then anything is within your reach so do it!

If you fancy a career change, research it, gain experience, make a plan and be successful! If you want to lead a healthier life style don’t think of eating healthy as being on a diet, it’s a health kick. Exercising isn’t a chore, it’s a dance class with friends, a stroll in the park on a frosty morning or doing a fun workout DVD in the comfort of your living room. Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.  Being careful with money doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself; make an investment, shop around and compare prices to make sure you get the best deal available. Think about purchases before making them to avoid buying on impulse and I guarantee you will reach your goal and feel happier.

Whatever you’re aiming for, there are millions of options out there and ways to get advice to help you be the best you can be. Just remember that if there’s something you really want, then the number one person to help you is yourself. Only you know what you are capable of achieving and what it will take you to get it. So what’s stopping you? You don’t need a whole new year to make a change or set a goal, start now! There’s always room for improvement, the possibilities are endless and there is a part of the world out there that is yours, so go and get it! Oh and remember, you're amazing J

 

Here’s a few of the positive changes I am hoping to make this year…

To pass my driving test.

This will be such a relief once I do it as I have been learning for a long, long time and I am growing very tired of it to say the least. As the saying goes, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’!

To make more effort to see friends and family.

Sometimes it can be almost impossible arranging a date when everyone Is free/has money/can get to the same place. I want to see more of my friends and family as I’m fed up of saying ‘we need to catch up soon’ and never getting round to it! It can be hard travelling to see everyone as I have friends and family all over the place, however I am going to make a conscious effort to travel more and arrange to meet up in different places. As get older I realise the importance of friends and family more and more, so I definitely want to make the most of the ones I have.

To be more conscious with money.

Currently I work full time and live at home with my mum and sister so I am lucky to have a good salary and a minimal cost of living. It’s not going to be this way forever so I want to prepare myself for having less money and learn to be more sensible with my finances. I have always been fairly good with money in the sense that I don’t spend what I don’t have and have never been in debt, however I take for granted being able to buy whatever takes my fancy and I have never really wanted for anything due to not being able to afford it. I plan to cut back on my spending and luxuries and continue to build a healthy savings account. This means no more getting my nails done, treating myself to regular splurges at Asos and I think I can forget that Marc Jacobs tote I had my eye on, something tells me this is going to be hard…!

To be happier.

I like to think of myself as a positive person, I always see the glass as half full as opposed to half empty, however towards the end of 2012 I found myself feeling low and generally quite depressed. Whether it was a mixture of stress, the cold weather or just various things going on in my life, I just didn’t want to do anything or see anyone. This is so unlike me as I have always been a fun and outgoing person.  I felt guilty for feeling like this as there are so many people far worse off than me, so I made the decision that this would not continue in to the New Year. Sometimes it is important to realise what makes us happy and make sure we do things to maintain a good and happy lifestyle. I plan to write further posts on this in the future and share tips on ways to promote happiness and live life to the full!

 

Holly xx