The Real Resolutions You Should Make for 2016. And Always.

No bullshit. Just realness.

 

Work your ass off and accomplish goals.

Stop making excuses. There are 24 hours in a day. Only 8 of that is for sleeping (if you’re lucky). Yeah, yeah. Commute this, dinner that. I get it. You have responsibilities. But you need time to do things for yourself. Things to make you feel valued and accomplished. Work your ass off at the office and outside. Get your fitness on, cook new things, freelance for something you really care about, volunteer.

 

Make time for the people that matter.

Balance working your ass off with making time for the people and things that really matter. We all get trapped saying yes to things we really don’t feel like doing. Sure, those events are occasionally not optional, but that’s not always the case. Learn to say no to the things that aren’t at the top of your priority list. It’s your life. Take control of how you spend it and show the ones you love that they’re a priority.

 

Read more.

Netflix is killin’ it this year with awesome new shows, so it’s going to be even harder to turn off the TV and work your brain in different ways. But seriously, take some time to read for pleasure. We’re all glued to our computers during the day reading emails and industry relevant articles (ok, fine, and too much social media), but pick up some fiction and let your brain make the movie. Do it before bed and enjoy the relaxation reading can provide.

 

Write more, too.

Get a journal. Write as often as possible. Maybe you don’t get to it every night, but make a pact with yourself to try to do it once a week. Get out your bad feelings, capture your great ones to reminisce on later or write things down you would like to say to people but know it’s not productive. Think of your journal as your personal therapist.

 

On top of journaling more, try this: set up a jar, strips of paper and a pen somewhere private. Date a strip and write down each time you accomplish something, meet a goal or have a great moment. At the end of the year, open the jar and read each positive memory. You’d be surprised about how much you can achieve and the amount of happiness you can feel in one year. Plus, who doesn’t want to have all those smiles to reflect on?

 

Go to bed.

Is it really that cool to stay up late? I don’t get it. It’s no secret that inconsistent sleep schedules lead to an increase production in your stress hormones. I know sometimes we’re all busy and the night gets away from us, but make a better effort on most work nights. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time. You won’t believe the effect it has on your life.

 

Smile frequently.

It’s cliche and I know it. Guess what? I’m smiling while telling you I don’t give a shit. Smiling is contagious. If you pass a stranger, a little grin never hurt no thang. And if you do it enough, it becomes more of a habit and you actually start to become happier.

 

PS – please don’t force some creep smile and look like a serial killer. No one is happy about that.

 

Let go of shit.

Friendships that have fizzled, lost love, family feuds, workplace drama – oh my. Get over it. It’s in the past and you can’t change it. Let go and move on. Don’t hold grudges and don’t hold onto the negativity.

 

Worry less about drama that isn’t yours.

For real though. Stay out of the business of others, even when invited in. Lend a supportive ear to friends, but don’t get wrapped up in their drama. Disconnect once your conversation is over. Dwelling on things is a huge waste of time – especially when they’re not yours to dwell on.

 

It’s cliche, but just live your best every, damn day.

These aren’t just resolutions for 2016, they’re “life hacks” to live a happier, more stress-free life always. Try a few and see if they change the way you view the world.