Resolutions for a Healthier New Year

The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to look at how we live our lives ... and how we can live them even better. Below are some thoughts for organizing your goals in the New Year. Remember - you are 80% more likely to achieve your resolutions if you write them down!

Body: what will you do to take better care of your body this year? When we juggle so many different responsibilities, it can be hard to do the basic things that our body needs to feel good and be healthy. Almost everyone can stand to put "exercise more frequently" and "eat more fruits and veggies" on their lists, but what about some more simple ideas, like flossing every day (or at least once a week!) or keeping your nails in semi-decent condition or wearing sunblock.

Mind: what will you do to better understand your mind this year? Understanding ourselves and our true motivations is the single most important activity we can undertake to transform our lives. There are lots of ways to improve our self-awareness and emotional intelligence. I tend to gravitate towards books on the subject. I have also started a (short) meditation practice. Other people benefit from psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and other guided methods of better understanding themselves.

Business: what will you do to grow your business this year? Don't laugh - businesses are still growing, no matter what the newscasters are saying. An economic downturn does not mean that you are destined to have a negative year. Look at what worked well for your business in 2008, and figure out how best to repeat and expand upon those activities in 2009. You don't have to create an extensive business plan, but at least jot down what you would like to accomplish and the things you need to do in the coming months to get there.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!