The holidays are over and we are all looking at a new year in just a few days. The change of the calendar, the countdown to spring, a fresh start. I think it’s easy to get caught up in making HUGE changes. Epic New Year’s resolutions, if you will. Lose a bunch of weight, save a lot of money, make that big purchase. And these are all lofty, and even positive goals. But sometimes, I think we try to make these grand changes and if we don’t reach the goal we feel defeated. 

So I like to think smaller. Make a list of things you’d like to accomplish this year. Write down ANYTHING, no matter how trivial it may seem. Take a look at how realistic each of them seems and then, select one or two to really work toward. Need some help getting started? Here’s some from lists I’ve made over the years. 

• 10 minutes of exercise (any exercise) 5 days a week

• Take a walk twice a week
• Learn to cook a new recipe

• Add a fresh coat of paint to a room in your home

• Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a long time
• Have a family meal together once a week, or once a month
• Organize old photos
• Put away $5 or $10 dollars a week towards something you’ve wanted to purchase 
• Put away $5 or $10 dollars a week towards a charity you’ve wanted to donate to
• Clean out a closet or a cabinet

• Join a club, something that YOU want to do (book club, quilting club, art class, etc.)

Chances are, you’ll achieve one of these smaller goals. And you’ll feel GOOD about it. And guess what? If you accomplish one thing on your list, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started on another one! A New Year is a big deal, but don’t beat yourself up, get in the mindset that reaching even the small goals you set is a BIG accomplishment!

Happy New Year!