Every holiday season, we all take the time to write out goals and things we want to accomplish in the coming year. But before we know it, New Year's Eve comes, we ring in the new year and we start working on those goals, but never finish them. We get distracted and lose our motivation to actually carry out the goals we set. The number one way to accomplish your goals, is to stick to them.
That being said, here are 17 goals you can actually accomplish in 2017:
1. Start eating healthier
Each year we commit to lose weight, but how often does it actually happen? Start little. Start with your food. Learn how to eat healthier and you'll start seeing positive effects on your body and lifestyle.
2. Take charge of your mornings
Start going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. When you wake up earlier in the day, you'll feel like you have more time to accomplish the things you need and want, giving you the ability to accomplish more of your goals. In 2017, learn how to be a morning person.
3. Read at least 52 books
That is only one book a week. If you have a long list of books you've wanted to read, get a library card or go to the bookstore and make a stack of books to read. Keep it visible so you know you need to take time out of your day to finish it. Reading brings knowledge and sparks creativity, so taking on this challenge will do wonders for your life.
4. Take a break from social media
Social media is a time waster. Start by taking a day away from social media. Then make it two, then five and then a whole week. You'll be surprised how much more time you have and how stress-free you are without social media constantly boggling your brain.
5. Make a list of things that make you happy
Make a list of the things that make you happy or of times when you were happiest. Once you have a list, put it somewhere visible where you can see it and reflect on it often. Don't be afraid to keep adding to the list. You'll be surprised to see how many positive things happen to you each day.
6. Serve someone in need
There's someone out there who needs help. Be it one person or many, find someone you can help and do what you can to serve them. It could be as little as helping someone carry groceries to their car, cleaning their home or offering money, clothes or food to someone who has very little. You never know the impact you can have on others.
7. Stop seeking out approval from others
If you aren't comfortable with who you are, learn to stop seeking out approval from others. You don't need anyone else's approval in order to live your life. Live the way you want to, not the way others want you to.
8. Know when and how to say no
This can be difficult, but if you learn when and how to say no, it will be so freeing for you. You'll be able to take charge of your own life and do things the way you want, for yourself.
9. Sleep under the stars
Pretty much self-explanatory, there's just something magical about falling asleep under the stars in the universe.
10. Donate to a worthy cause
There are a lot of worthy causes out there. If you have a little extra money from a recent paycheck, donate to a cause that means something important to you. Even if it's just a little, you can make a difference.
11. Form closer relationships with your family
Spend more time with your family members and appreciate them for who they are. Put aside your differences, break down the walls and allow yourself to love them. Your bond with them will only strengthen and you'll find just how much you need and appreciate them in your life.
12. Take a picture once a day
Be it a selfie each day or something in your day that leaves an impact, take a picture of it. By the end of 2017 you'll have 365 amazing photos. It'll be interesting to see how much your life has changed over the course of one year.
13. Start writing a book (and finish it!)
If you've always wanted to write a book, now is your time. Start on January 1st and don't stop until December 31st. Have the motivation to not only start, but to write and finish the whole thing. Who knows, maybe you'll even publish it one day!
14. Learn to have discipline
Learn how to be a better version of yourself this coming year. Work a little harder to be a little better. A good amount of discipline can turn your whole life around.
15. Perform random acts of kindness at least once a week
Even if you're having a bad day, do what you can to make someone else's day a little happier. You'll find that such goodness comes right back to you.
16. Start an emergency fund
It's never too late to start preparing for the inevitable. You never know when an emergency will strike. Put together a 72-hour kit and stash away some extra cash and water to have on hand just in case of an emergency.
17. Face your worst fear
Sometimes the best thing we can do is face our worst fear head on. Work a little harder to strengthen your weaknesses or overcome your fears, and you'll come out much stronger. In the end, you'll be ready to face another new year.
