10 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To

A new year offers us a wonderful opportunity to make some changes.  Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?  If your answer is yes, consider yourself in good company.  Studies show that upwards of 45% of American adults use January and its symbolic “clean slate” to make a vow (or vows) to eat better, exercise more, get organized, be charitable, take classes, manage debt, etc.  (The list goes on and on!)

As you know, making New Year’s resolutions is the easy part…it’s keeping them that’s the challenge!  Experts feel the real problem centers around making resolutions that are neither specific nor realistic.  The key to acheiving any goal is to make it manageable and tangible.  So, rather than say you are going to exercise more, give it a number (i.e. I am going to exercise 3 days a week, 45 minutes per workout).  Periodically reviewing the reason why you made the resolution in the first place is also important.  And, of course giving yourself little rewards along the way doesn’t hurt either!

With the focus on making this your best – and most stylish year ever – we wanted to share a handful of New Year’s resolutions that would make you look, feel, and be your best.  We hope you enjoy them – and make 2012  Resolutions 6spectacular!

1. Indulge in one ‘treat’ every week.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to make you happy.    (So far, I’ve indulged in organic fruit and a new nail color.)

2. Go for a bra fitting.  You’ll instantly feel like you’ve lost 5 pounds and taken 5 years off of your appearance.

3. Handle three pieces of paper every day.  Let’s face it.  The pile of papers did not accumulate overnight – it will not disappear that way either.  Chip away at it every day and know that   before long you’ll see progress!  (By the way, the ‘chip away’ at it theory holds for any big project…)

4. Integrate one new color into your wardrobe.  After all, one does not live on black alone!

5. Be generous with your compliments.  If you see someone wearing something that looks terrific, make their day and tell them!

6. Stop buying  “hand wash” only clothing.  (Who has time to hand wash??)  Similarly, invest in a steamer.   (No one has time to iron, either.)

7. Be gentle with yourself.  This goes for everything from a slow start to a diet to not cleaning your closet.

8. Expand your clothing horizon and try a new style, store, or designer – even though it may seem out of your comfort zone.   You never know when you’ll find a new favorite.

9. Go through your closet and select at least three pieces to donate to charity.  Let’s face it, we all have too much in our closets and there is probably someone else out there who could really use these items.

10. Take a fifteen minute time out – every day – to do something that you really enjoy, but don’t usually make time for.  Maybe it’s going for a short walk at lunch; thumbing through your favorite magazine; taking a cat nap; whatever.  You’ll be surprised at how just fifteen minutes of ‘you’ time can help you feel centered and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.