Amy Cooper Hakim, PhD :
Resolutions are important! Efforts at self-improvement need not only occur in the New Year. Still, many of us pledge to change for the better around the holidays.
Why a Resolution?
If we are not moving forward and making progress, we become stagnant. Goals and resolutions give us the opportunity to evaluate what went right and also to think about those things we’d like to change in the future. For instance, many parents vow to be even better moms and dads and take dedicated steps to reach that goal. Similarly, some leaders vow to be more effective, empowering, or considerate. At the individual level, we might strive to exercise more regularly or to spend more quality time with loved ones. It’s important to make resolutions that encourage us to take care of ourselves, in addition to helping others. After all, when we are happy and centered, then we may better care for the important people in our lives.
Three Suggested Resolutions
Consider making one or more of the following resolutions to help gain balance in the New Year.
1) Resolve to get more sleep each night. Many find this resolution to be particularly tough, due to family-related duties or a demanding work schedule. Still, strive to make sleep a priority by setting an alarm on your smartphone one hour before it is time to go to bed. When you hear the alarm, complete that current activity, and grant yourself permission to finish whatever else in on your to-do list tomorrow. If need be, rise 30 minutes before the rest of the house wakes up in order to get a head start on to-do list items for that day. When we get more sleep, we are healthier, happier, and more balanced.
2) Resolve to be more patient. Patience is a virtue. When we are patient, then others respond in kind. Being more patient makes life (and our interactions with people) less stressful, in general. Try counting to 10 slowly before yelling. Take a deep breath and force yourself to think before you speak. You might even consider downloading a mindfulness app to help.
3) Resolve to be grateful. Grateful people are happier and are often more resilient. When we lead our lives with gratitude, we appreciate each of life’s blessings, and handle struggles with greater ease. We also set an indelible example for our children and loved ones. A simple way to become more grateful is to keep a gratitude journal. Each night, write down two or three things (big or small) for which you are grateful. Eventually, you will lead your day looking for something to include in your journal.
(Amy Cooper Hakim, Ph.D., is an industrial-organizational psychology practitioner, author, public speaker, and the principal consultant at The Cooper Strategic Group). Online:
