2020 is here! It’s time to conquer goals but also have a clear vision on how to accomplish them. Many people jot down dozens of new year’s resolutions, but as the momentum in January dies down, statistics show that only 8% of people actually reach them. Some write down habits they’d like to get rid of and habits they’d like to possess. Here are 5 attainable, easy habits to start the year right (some may already be a part of your lifestyle!).
1. Write down 3 reasons you are grateful. It’s hard to complain when you have a grateful attitude. If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes because you are tired or it’s pouring rain outside, instead of starting your day complaining, start by writing down 3 reasons you are grateful for each day. You will automatically notice a difference in your attitude and daily mood. Keep a notebook or simply write it on a dry erase board or sticky note.
“You only have one mind and one body for the rest of your life”
Warren Buffet
2. Drink more water. Warren Buffet says, “You only have one mind and one body for the rest of your life” and goes on highlighting the importance of taking care of your mind and body now. Drinking water is one surefire way to achieve this. We love drinking water instead of soft drinks in our house, and we are huge fans of smartwater®—particularly the new smartwater still subtly infused with hints of fruit and herbal flavors. Smartwater gives an overly refreshing sense of the “Spa Water” experience in a bottle. We head to our local Winn-Dixie and run to the water aisle to stock up. Save now at your Winn-Dixie by clicking BELOW.
Our current favorite flavors are the cucumber lime flavor and the watermelon mint. The best part is that they’re zero calories and unsweetened. I take a smartwater bottle water when I’m out and about, like at the park while I watch my kids play and catch up on reading.
3. Make your bed. Ok, here’s a little secret: When I was single, there were times I ran out of my house and headed to work without making my bed. Then, when I married my husband, I realized he would always make our bed every single day. I noticed that my mood would change when I returned home from work to a bed that was made. It made me happier! And now, I cannot go a day without making my bed because it simply makes my world an organized and better place. Plus, it will make you feel like you can go on to your next daily task.
4. Set specific short-term goals that will help you reach long-term goals. Oftentimes, people make a vision board filled with dreams and goals that tend to be long-term, but they miss a key component, which is short-term goals. For example, if your goal is to take a European family vacation, research when is the best season to travel, hotels, airfares, attractions, and itineraries, etc. This will help you create a budget. Once you have a budget, then set a date and write down how you plan to save for the trip. Be specific. Set short-term goals that will eventually lead to the bigger picture.
5. Be 100% present. In a world where technology is glued to our hand, unplugging can understandingly be difficult. Regardless, it’s important to put your phone down. As a wife and mom of 3 little ones, we truly strive to raise our kids in a low-tech home which forces us to put our phones down. When we are at the dinner table, our cell phones are out of sight—especially when we are spending family time. When we speak, we give each other our undivided attention from the oldest to the youngest member in our family. Don’t miss out on moments because you were distracted with tech devices.
If you aim to tackle at least 1 of these attainable habits every 3 weeks, you will develop 5 new habits in the first quarter of the year and thus, start 2020 off right! May you end the year accomplishing everything you envisioned for this year. You can do it!