By Dr. Melanie Ross Mills | Special Contributor
It’s 2021! This year I am determined to shed 10 pounds, increase my vegetable intake, refrain from overspending at Costco, and ensure my children write thank you notes for their Christmas presents. I plan to exercise an hour daily, limit my TV time, and finally get around to reading that novel. While New Year’s resolutions can help steer us towards our goals, the challenge lies in maintaining that momentum.
Research indicates that only about 15% of individuals manage to keep their resolutions by the end of the year. This means a significant number revert to previous habits, such as overspending at Costco, leaving that novel unfinished.
A brand new year offers us an opportunity for renewal, rethinking, and rebuilding. It’s a chance to adopt new habits and perspectives—not merely as resolutions, but as lasting lifestyle changes.
Where to start?
There’s no need for an extensive list. Instead, focus on one or two key concepts that will influence your decisions and lifestyle modifications over the next nine months. You can select any from the list or create your own.
Simplify: I will work on simplifying.
Aim to make life more straightforward. Actively avoid taking on matters beyond your control. Prioritize effectively and don’t allow external distractions to disrupt your focus. Reduce toxic influences in your life.
Journal: I will journal my thoughts.
Dedicate time to explore the deeper aspects of your heart and mind. Each evening, reflect on your daily thoughts. Determine which thoughts are beneficial and which restrict you. Are you moving forward or clinging to past experiences? Are you emotionally available enough to cultivate meaningful relationships?
Active: I will be more active.
Commit to increasing your physical activity. Walk to nearby places instead of driving. Choose stairs over elevators. Ride your bike instead of taking the car to the grocery store.
Nourish: I will nourish my heart, mind, and spirit.
Consume what uplifts you. Incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet. Be mindful of the media you consume and how it impacts you. Opt to engage with content that is enriching and positive. Dedicate time to enhancing your spiritual life.
Others: I will think more about others.
Shift your focus outward. The more you concentrate on helping others, the less you’ll dwell on your own shortcomings. Share your gifts with the world, and strive to make a positive impact.
Purge: I will clean house.
Tidy up your surroundings—donate items you no longer use. Clear out your pantry, cabinets, and closets. Clutter can subtly burden us. Release what no longer serves you.
Build: I will invest in people.
Spend time with those who inspire you. Make an effort to connect with those who can benefit from your experiences. Seek out mentors who have wisdom to share and learn from them.
Gratefulness: I will see the good more often.
Focus on the little things that add sweetness to life—like a neighbor picking up your newspaper or a stranger holding the door for you. Let those around you know why you appreciate them.
Mindfulness: I will be more mindful.
Take time to rest and breathe. Be present in the moment. Listen to others and engage fully with your heart. Observe the nuances in the small details around you.
Now is the perfect time to embark on new beginnings. Opportunities are out there waiting for us, and they are within our reach if we’re willing to put in the effort.
ABOUT DR. MELANIE MILLS:
As a certified and licensed Temperament Therapist, Dr. Melanie Ross Mills excels at fostering meaningful conversations and encouraging honest self-reflection on topics like friendship, parenting, and marriage, both in her individual sessions and through her Life Bonds™ Book Series. She was honored with the Women of Excellence Award in 2016 and has been featured or quoted in various television programs and publications nationwide. Dr. Mills holds a degree in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin.
For more information, you can reach Dr. Mills at www.melanierossmills.com.
