Top 10 New Years Resolutions

With 2012 drawing to a close, many of us are beginning to review our life and achievements over the past twelve months. Maybe you have had a great deal of success professionally, or maybe you have fought or are fighting a serious illness.

The dawn of a new year forces us to look at the past, and start to plan our future. It’s a chance for brand new beginnings, or to close a virtual door on matters you want to move on from. It’s the main reason we make New Years Resolutions.

Here are the top 10 New Years Resolutions for 2013:

Spend more time with friends and family – The number one resolution that over 50% of Americans make year after year. We are all so busy working, trying to make ends meet and rushing around that several months can pass and we haven’t made the effort to see any of our loved friends and family

Stop Smoking – It takes smokers an average of 4 attempts to stop smoking before they finally quit, so even if you have tried and failed to quit in the past, don’t let that get you down

Make an ecological effort – Creating a more sustainable and eco friendly lifestyle is becoming increasingly important to families all over the world. Communities like the Bruderhof have perfected the art of sustainable living; having shunned the ‘disposable’ lifestyle trap many of us have fallen into.

Get Fit – Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. It can reduce the risk of certain cancers, achieve and maintain weight loss and lower blood pressure, as well as have a multitude of other positive effects on your body and mind. It doesn’t need to be the gym, just taking a half hour walk every day is a great start.

Tame the bulge – Over 66% of Americans are overweight or obese, so it comes as no surprise that setting weight loss goals features heavily on most peoples resolution lists. Keys to success include setting realistic goals and sticking to a tried and tested weight loss program.

Enjoy Life More – Most of us lead busy, hectic and stressful lifestyles and yearn to be able to just sit back and enjoy the simple things a little more. Trying something new helps put a fun new perspective on life.

Get out of debt – Millions of Americans will pledge to spend 2013 getting on top of their finances.

Learn something new – This resolution goes hand in hand with enjoying life more. Education is one of easiest and most motivating New Year resolutions to keep, and could be as simple as reading a book you’ve always wanted to tackle, or as challenging as learning a new language.

Help Others – Volunteering is a fantastic way to give something back to the community, and you will be amazed how good being altruistic makes you feel. Even if you only have an hour to spare each month, there are hundreds of charities that would be grateful of this time.

Get organized – Being more organized at work and home will have an extraordinary effect on your life, helping you become less stressed and more likely to achieve your goals.

This article was written by Kathryn Thompson, a freelance writer and mom to three young daughters. Sick of rushing around in the morning, Kathryn’s top New Years resolution is to get more organized in 2013.

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement.