New Year’s Resolutions…. we make them every year, and some get done while others get forgotten, even when we have the best intentions. This year instead, I have a different plan and it’s one that feels more valuable than any of my whimsy ‘resolutions’ of the past. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve achieved a lot of my resolutions in the past, but some of the smaller day-to-day tasks/hobbies that I love, often get pushed aside. We all get busy with everyday life, and time seems to escape us, but I don’t want to wake up in 20 years and regret not doing the small things that make me happy every day.

Yesterday I sat down and wrote two lists – firstly a list of my values, the ‘what’ is important to me. For those of you playing at home, write down a list of your own hobbies and interests, the things you’re passionate about that make you happy everyday. Here are some examples of the items on my ‘Values’ list, these are:

• Read more books, at least 1 per month
• Meditate 2-3 times/week, 5-10 mins each
• Yoga 2-3 times/week, at least 30 mins each

Next, I wrote a list of the ‘who’ is important to me, so go ahead and write down your own list of the people you want to spend more time with in 2019. I went another step and wrote down the ‘when’ and ‘how’ I would connect with them, some were easier than others because they live near me and I can call/drop in anytime, others who are further away will take some planning, but people are only ever a phone call away too.

Read back through your list, add anything or anyone that you missed. You now need to set an action plan for the ‘Values’ on your list, so go ahead and put them into your diary, electronic calculator, or sign up for that course, class or training group. Without this action it will not happen, so do not skip this step because it’s the most important.

And your last fun task is to get in contact with the people on your second list. You don’t have to contact them all at once, but over the next few weeks start going through the names and give them a phone call, email, message. If you can organise a time to see them too then great!

Another important step is to revisit your lists throughout the year, this way you make sure that you don’t miss anything or anyone, as we know things get forgotten and slip off the radar. Perhaps that’s once a month, or once a quarter. You can also add to your list throughout the year, it’s entirely up to you so make it what you want.

I hope this helps you live a happier, healthier and more positive year doing what you love with the people you love. Let the lists change and evolve over time, and even roll over into the many years to come.

Wishing you all the best for 2019 and beyond.