By Cecilia Holling

“HaPpY NeW yEaR!” At the stroke of midnight on January 1st each year these three words seem to bring hope and renewed excitement to millions of the world’s inhabitants. There are some people who each year reach goals, keep targets, and realize their dreams. But what if our goals, resolutions and dreams don’t last longer than a few months, a few days, or perhaps a few measly hours? How can we make this New Year resolute and meaningful without feeling overwhelmed or seemingly setting ourselves up for failure?

For many of us, the simple and familiar phrase’ “HaPpY NeW yEaR” somehow encompasses a multitude of happy, inspiring and even larger than life feelings. It can make last year’s disappointments seem like a bad dream rather than a terrible memory. Our goals, resolutions and visions for the future can appear simple, boundless and attainable. We may promise to un-clutter ourselves by cleaning out closets, paying off last year’s bills and organizing paperwork. We may make a resolution to lose weight, be nicer or sign up for a class that might improve our work or social skills. Instead of making an overwhelming list of things that may or may not come to pass, this year make a resolution to make each day work for you!

Yesterday’s Mistakes Are Today Rewards

We will all make mistakes that can set us back a few steps. Don’t beat yourself up over spilled milk!

Treat yourself daily to a playful portion of yesterday’s biggest bloopers! Talk about it. Laugh at it. Learn from it. Change it! There is no better reward than to overcome a misstep!

Turn A Sour Attitude Into Great Lemonade

No need to dilute a goal or a dream with the first appearance of a bitter moment or a sour attitude. Use the zest of your heart to take out the bitterness in challenging goals, tasks, duties or undertakings. Use the pulp of your spirit to make sweet a vinegary attitude. Add often life giving water and forgiveness to others and to yourself to reduce acidity in your gut and tone of voice. Refer often to your core ingredients and serve up your best year yet!

Goals And A Purposeful You

We can alter our routine to make time more beneficial. We can modify our reading materials to learn new things. Calendar savings dates in lieu of mindless spending sprees. Choose to say “thank you” instead of “nothing.” Opt for one serving instead of two. Ask, “Could you please” instead of bark, “I need.” Forego complaints and instead compliment. A phone call, a surprise visit, a helping hand, a smile, a hug, and a prayer all have a natural way of making us evolve into better beings.

This year should not be about “out with the old and in with the new.” Make this New Year all about being simply “a better you!” “HaPpY NeW yEaR!