Get some well-deserved rest

It’s almost the start of the new year, and the first thing you should do is replenish your energy to begin the year (and this list of resolutions) on the right note. How long has it been since you’ve had a full eight hours of sleep? And no, we don’t mean that state of subconsciousness you slipped into after pulling an all-nighter or two. Ample rest is essential for letting your body and mind recharge – reducing stress, improving one’s mood, concentrating better during wakefulness and better complexion are just some of the benefits attributed to a good night’s sleep. So if you’re not getting in the recommended hours of rest, you should start doing so right away.. or perhaps right after that last 2021 New Year’s Eve event.

Start each day with a plan

Have you ever wondered how 2021 flashed past even when the world slowed down because of the pandemic? With everything that’s been going on, it can be hard to focus on being productive. This year, wake up with a plan to keep your day from slipping away from you. From quick mini-tasks to mega milestones, strive to complete one or two daily missions that will accumulate into a whole lot more by the end of 2022. Remember to include relaxation, exercise and better eating habits as part of your daily goals as these contribute to a happier, healthier you. 

Make saving money fun

We’ve probably attempted this in our past New Year’s resolutions – attempted being the operative word. Let’s face it, for most of us, saving money is boring and difficult to stick to throughout the twelve long months. Instead of doing the same thing over and over again, try out some creative money-saving challenges that can help make saving money fun. Stash away all your dollar bills for the month, throw all your loose change into a piggy bank or challenge yourself not to eat out for a month. You’ll be surprised at how much your money can grow when you start attempting these challenges.

Learn a new skill

If there ever were a perfect time to pick up a new skill, it would probably be right at the start of the year. With everyone else also gearing up to achieve their 2022 resolutions, it’s easier to feel motivated and start learning. But why stop there? Surround yourself with highly motivated people to constantly drive you to work towards your ambitions throughout the year. Film photography, pet grooming, culinary arts, PhotoShop, crypto investing… the list of new skills you can pick up is endless.

Step out of your comfort zone

Go someplace you’ve never been. Try a new food every week. Embark on that career change you’ve been thinking about. Apply for funding to take your business idea to new places. No matter what you do to step out of your comfort zone, the experience of trying things that are uncomfortable for you will help build your confidence and possibly change your current worldview. Just make sure that you have a supportive group of people who can lift your spirits, not wreck it, when you try something and it doesn’t work out the first time. And remember, discomfort is a catalyst for growth!

Open a savings account or two

Saving money is a good habit that can be hard to start and maintain. Along the way, we may get distracted by fun wants, deprioritize savings in favor of more pressing needs or lose sight of the reasons for saving altogether. One trick to increase savings is to open multiple savings accounts with different financial goals like School Fund, Holiday Fund, Shopping Fund, etc. Not only will you be more aware of your financial goals, but it’ll encourage you to simplify your financial decision-making when you receive your income. Take advantage of your New Year’s Eve motivation and open dedicated savings accounts so that you can organize your piggy banks for the year. Instead of traditional accounts that may charge a fall below fee, try using savings accounts with zero maintenance fees, attractive annual percentage yields (APY), no minimum deposit requirements and a flexible withdrawal rate to maximize your asset growth.

Stop buying things you don’t need

Do you find yourself easily seduced by a good deal? Are there unopened items in your apartment? Do you have an urge to spend money after an argument? If you often buy things on impulse or splurge every payday, you may have been feeding a habit of buying things you don’t really need. This year, make it a mission to figure out your shopping triggers and consciously avoid them. Unsubscribe to mailing lists, delete shopping apps and stick to your shopping lists when you’re at the mall to control your spending habits. 

Pick up a new language

It’s not too late to start! Not only does learning a new language improve your memory, enhance your ability to multi-task and make traveling easier, it also allows you to access a new culture wherever you are. Diversify your linguistics, and you’ll expand your worldview, indulge in new food and music and better connect with people of various backgrounds.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Unless you’re Wanda Maximoff, there’s no way to alter reality. With life’s constant state of ebbs and flows, it’s important to ensure that we don’t let the small things we can’t control, control us. Take it easy, cultivate acceptance and try stressing only about the things you can control, not the things you can’t. To quote legendary comic artist Charlie Chaplin, “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.” When the proverbial stuff hits the fan, zoom out to see the bigger picture, and you might find that the mountain you made was actually a molehill.

Be an ambassador

Do you have a philosophy or brand that you love so much that you wished the rest of the world could appreciate it too? Take the time to share your passion with others this year, no matter your interest. Stand up for school bullying, remind others about road safety, volunteer at a pet shelter, spread the word about your favorite charity, or promote brands that have personally impacted your life positively. By being active and open about your interests, you can build a network of like-minded, supportive friends, make meaningful change and maybe even become an official ambassador for your favorite brand. 

Maximize productivity the smart way

If you have a lot on your plate, try using productive apps and features tailored to your lifestyle to carve out more time for yourself. Instead of reading books, you can listen to a podcast series while traveling. Or you can add shortcuts and widgets to your homepage to access information as soon as you look at your screen. You could also explore features that automate mundane tasks so you can free up your time to pursue what’s important to you. 

Give back to society

The act of charitable giving allows one to appreciate one’s riches and feel the joy of making a positive difference, leading to a more content and meaningful life. You don’t have to be a philanthropist to start giving back to society. Support local farmers and merchants, participate in a coastal cleanup, make more eco-friendly choices, take part in a blood donation drive, donate to a charity that is preferably transparent in helping combat inequality and poverty – every good deed counts. 

Pepper your year with acts of spontaneity

Watch a movie without knowing the storyline. Buy a box of unknown goodies. Take the road less traveled, literally. Being spontaneous allows you the chance to be pleasantly surprised, know yourself better and spice up your routine for a pick-me-up. So the next time you feel like you’re in a slump, try something new.

Be protective about me-time

Often, when we work or interact with others, we end up sacrificing quality time with ourselves. Establish some personal guardrails to protect your time for yourself. Go on a social media cleanse, put your phone on mute, enforce a no-meeting day, earn money in ways that don’t intrude on your quality time, outsource when you can and learn to be comfortable rejecting invitations and requests. 

Write your resolutions down

The act of jotting down goals helps us become more committed to achieving them. Stick your resolutions on your fridge, keep them in your notes app or track your progress with a daily journal for a constant reminder. Referring to your list of 2022 goals and progress whenever you feel uninspired may help reignite your motivation when it starts dying out.