The Thanksgiving turkey is gone along with the cranberries and stuffing, so is Black Friday. Next up, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Before you know it, the ball will be dropping in Times Square and 2018 will be here.
As you take time to reflect on the past year – its trials, tribulations, the good, the bad and everything in between – your New Year resolutions won’t be far behind.
But why wait until midnight strikes to address and make them happen? How about now, start early.
Here are 9 ideas that might make your life better by the time Jan. 1 arrives:
- Put a halt to negative thoughts
Sure, we all have negative thoughts from time-to-time, but are you someone who falls into the negative feedback pond and never comes back up? If so, perhaps it’s time to put a halt to that pattern. Try looking at the positive side, discuss issues with someone you trust, and write your thoughts down in a journal. It could help you discover patterns and triggers. It’s also OK to consult a medical professional if you can’t figure out why you are so negative all the time.
- Order your credit report
They say you are supposed to monitor your credit report at least once a year, why wait? One of the easiest things to put on your to-do list, checking early it will let you know if there are things on your report that shouldn’t be there. Contact one of the three credit bureaus and get it done, so you don’t have to worry about it. Plus, if you discover an error, contact that bureau and challenge the error. Actions like this could help your financials.
- Take a new acquaintance for coffee
Whatever age, making new friends isn’t always easy. But before the New Year arrives, why not ask someone you’d like to get to know better for a cup of coffee or tea? This could be someone that you might want to ask out on a date, or just someone to befriend.
- Get your inbox in order
It never hurts to get organized, why not start with all of those emails that have been building up forever? Take a few moments every day to weed through them before 2017 comes to a close.
- Find your nightly routine
Good habits start at home and with your health, too. Perhaps try to go to bed at the same time each night so you get the rest your mind and body need. Of course, if possible, add some meditation or quiet time – minus listening to any digital devices – before you go to sleep.6. Schedule doctor’s appointments
- Schedule doctor’s appointments
Scheduling routine preventive visits with your doctor and dentist are only in your best interest. Schedule now so you can start the New Year off right. Make it a goal to have these appointments done by the end of the year; you’ll start 2018 with all the answers you need to live a better and healthier life.
- Practice being grateful
Whether it’s in the early hours of your day or before you retire, write down at least three things you are grateful for. Having a regular gratitude practice may aid in feeling better physically and mentally.
- Keep abreast of your retirement contributions
The end of the year is a great time to check your retirement funds, portfolios, and other financials. Ask yourself if you are contributing enough to your retirement fund? Are you saving enough on a monthly basis in case of an emergency? Even if retirement is not for a while, it never hurts to make sure you’re ready for when it does come around. If you aren’t contributing enough, do talk with an expert who can help you make changes or reassess your current budget so you can contribute more in 2018.
- Make a list of 2017 accomplishments
Think back to when the year began and write down all of these accomplishments on paper that you set out to do and actually achieved. You might be surprised how much you got done without even noticing it until now.
