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I am so excited that Pete will be taking on an even more active role on It’s a Lovely Life! Starting with this post.
As a new year starts, I find myself thinking and planning new ways to make life better for my family and myself.
2015 was a great year for us. We took many trips as a family, met lots of great people, and had countless great experiences. In addition, I improved my fitness level through my commitment to Crossfit, and worked hard to improve my nutrition. But, there is still plenty of room for improvement. I plan on 2016 being even better with a few simple tweaks.
Here are some changes we can all make to better ourselves right now.
1. Be Open to New Ideas – As anyone that knows me well would tell you, I am pretty set in my ways. Ok….in other words I am really stubborn. When I find something I like, I don’t like to change. However, as I look back, I realize that often change can be good. Most of the positive things that have happened in my life over the years have come about when I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. This year I’ll be more open to new opportunities as ways of doing things.
2. Work More Efficiently – I am self employed and set my own schedule. Working hard has never been my problem. In fact, I have a tendency to overwork myself. Putting in the long hours is not what it is about….it is about efficiency. In 2016 I will constantly be looking for ways to work smarter, and not necessarily harder. It is not the number of hours worked, but the amount of work that is done….regardless of the time it takes to get there.
3. Set Fewer Goals – I know….I probably lost you here, but bear with me. I love goals….I have lots of them. In fact, I have too many of them! I find myself making some progress in a lot of different areas, but never reaching many of the goals I set. When I pare down my goal list, and focus on attaining 1 or 2 goals at a time, I am always more successful. So this year, I’m limiting myself on the goals I set, and success will follow.
4. Focus on Fun – When you really break things down, life should be fun. If its not fun, then things need to change. With business and the other stresses of life, sometimes I lose track of this one simple thing. In 2016, I plan to be more aware of opportunities to have fun for myself and for the family. The ironic thing is, when I have more fun, it usually translates into success in other areas of life.
5. Stay Organized – When my desk is neat and organized, I feel much more efficient. When my car is clean, I enjoy driving it much more. When my closet is organized, its easier for me to pick out my clothes for the day. These are just little examples, but they make a big difference in the way I feel about myself. I took a big step today and cleaned out my closet. I put lots of clothes in a pile to donate and only kept the clothes I intend to actually wear! There are lots of opportunities to get and stay organized in my life, and I intend to work hard at this in 2016
So, that’s my list. I’m sure my list is a little different than most, but these are things that will really make a difference in my life…and maybe yours? By putting these 5 simple things into practice, 2016 Should be a good year!!
We have some great plans for this year and a lot of fun is on the agenda! Love your tips!
I am with you on focusing on fun. I am sick of worrying about money and just going to have fun with the little we can!
These are great tips. Less goals is actually a great idea. I need to downsize my life.
I like all of your tips but especially to have more fun. I’ve lost too many loved ones in the past 5 years to have not realized that things I used to think were important, weren’t. I vowed to change that and live life as I want to and have more fun.
This year I want to focus more on family and spending time together. I realize my kids are not getting any younger and that’s a sad thought.
Like you I don’t welcome change but realize it’s necessary so I have a lot of positive changes in the works for this year.
I may just steal your goal of working smarter this year. I find that I have a ton to do, and I don’t mind putting in the hours. However, that’s not a good thing with a family to care for. Finding more efficient ways to do things is a great goal to have.
I have traveled a lot recently and I think the best times were and when we didn’t plan anything, just let each day play out!! Great tips!!
I like to set small goals for myself. This year i am going to push myself to try something new every month.
What a great tips I need to focus stay of fun, last year we had an family problems and my goal for this year it wont be happen again.
Setting fewer goals would be the best way for me to breeze through 2016. I tend to get so overwhelmed with things to do, things to accomplish, and what-nots. I’d pace myself and make sure that I still have time to be me.
I am an organized freak, messy house gives me migraine. I agree with setting few but attaninable goals.
My goal for the year is to take better care of myself and not worry so much about others. I also want to travel! I would love to blog about my adventures!
This is a great list. I made fewer goals this year. They are goals that are easy to achieve. Focus on Fun. I like that!
Great post, I too tend to set myself too many goals. I think maybe focusing on one or two at a time is a great idea!
Working efficiently and setting good goals is a must to better yourself. These are both so easy to lose. Love these tips for starting off the new year right!
I couldn’t agree more with you. I ‘m always open to new ideas and I focus on fun too. Like you said, life should be fun!
That is a great list of tips for a better year! I need to focus on working more efficiently!
This is wonderful advice! I’ve been working on improving myself, especially with organization and reducing my list of goals.
My goal for the year is to take better care of myself. I also want to spend more time with my family!
Great tips! I try my best doing all of those. Staying positive is what I go by!