10 New Year’s Resolutions to Skip

Cut yourself some slack. Skip the New Year’s resolutions this year. Or, if you can’t dispense with them altogether, make just one: Resolve to be the best you can in health, in love, and in personal satisfaction. While you’re at it, resolve NOT to do any of the following:

1. Lose ten pounds

Too much pressure. Enjoy living the healthiest life you can, for the pleasure of being healthy.

2. Become a better person

You’re fine. Polish your talents. Contemplate your weaknesses. Love yourself for both, and resolve that you are awesome.

3. Reorganize your life

That’s a big bite to manage without frustration. Pick one thing that doesn’t work for you and do it a different way, one time. See where that goes.

4. Spend more time with family and friends

You’ll tell yourself you’re just too busy. Figure out why you wish for more time with loved ones. What’s in your way? Why aren’t you together? Then, every day, give away a ton of hugs and see what happens.

5. Join a health club

Half of January memberships are abandoned by the end of February. Find one activity that you enjoy and see if you can do a bit of it daily. Look into the health club thing in March and weigh your degree of interest then.

6. Enjoy life more, a resolution bound to fail

Too vague, not measurable. Like the commercial says, get out there. Don’t just talk about it, find something that really tickles your delight and do it right now.

7. Find a new love

You’re putting enormous pressure on yourself. Relax. Open yourself to life’s gifts. When will the love of your life manifest? It will be the moment you stop worrying about your love life.

8. Increase material wealth

Try giving away more than you did last year, or giving time to someone in need. The more you give, the richer you feel. Some cultures believe accumulating wealth is in direct proportion to generosity.

9. Get a better job

This isn’t the perfect year for new jobs. Times are tough, though improving. So, can you resolve to make your current job a better place to be? Figure out what’s not right – see how you can fix it.

10. Quit drinking, smoking, or self-medicating

(See Number 1.) Don’t make promises that put you under stress and pressure. If you have serious issues, make an appointment today with a medical advisor and know that you are worth helping.

We all know New Year’s resolutions are doomed. Holiday enthusiasm dissipates. Changing our behavior is a big mountain to climb. You’ll feel much more harmony in your life if you show yourself some gentle love and acceptance. On New Year’s Eve, take an inventory of everything valuable about you. Enhance and treasure those fine qualities in the new year. You’re doing fine.