New Year, New Resolutions?

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At Northstar EAP, we vote yes. We have brought up the topic previously at the holidays of setting boundaries. This is still an important reminder now and during the whole year. Professionally and personally, practicing holding our boundaries is a skill that needs work to be developed. If that's not on your list, add it or re-write it. Another resolution the Northstar team has discussed is being present. We love Simon Sinek's view of technology, being present and how we can detach and improve our mental state and relationships. We will be working hard on this one to put down the devices and look each other in the eye. Our vote on resolutions is yes. Make it manageable, just a few. Write them down or tell a friend, make them real, live them, remember them, act on them. 

The effectiveness of New Year's resolutions can vary from person to person. For some individuals, setting resolutions at the start of the year provides a motivational boost and a sense of purpose. It can serve as a structured way to outline personal, family, or professional goals and create a roadmap for positive change.

On the other hand, some people may find that New Year's resolutions don't work for them. This can be due to various reasons, such as setting unrealistic goals, lacking a clear plan of action, or experiencing difficulty in maintaining motivation over the long term.

Ultimately, the success of New Year's resolutions depends on the individual's mindset, commitment, and approach to goal-setting. For those who find value in the tradition, it can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. However, it's important to approach resolutions with a realistic mindset, break them down into manageable steps, and stay adaptable to adjust goals as circumstances change throughout the year.

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and contemplating the future. New Year's resolutions provide a fantastic opportunity to set intentional goals and foster positive change in various aspects of our lives. This year, consider adopting a holistic approach by crafting resolutions that encompass personal development, family enrichment, and professional advancement.

Here are examples of resolutions in areas for yourself and your family and professional goals.

Personal Resolutions: Nurturing the Inner Self

1. Health and Well-being Focus:

Resolution: Prioritize your physical health and well-being.

Plan: Develop a concrete exercise routine and a nutritious diet plan. Incorporate activities you enjoy, making fitness a sustainable and enjoyable part of your lifestyle. Consider joining a local fitness group or enlisting a workout buddy for added motivation.

2. Mindfulness and Mental Wellness:

Resolution: Cultivate mindfulness for improved mental health.

Plan: Dedicate time each day to mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Explore mindfulness apps or local meditation groups to enhance your practice. Investing in mental well-being can lead to increased resilience and a more balanced life. We offer the tip of mindfulness is almost every presentation or discussion we have as a team at Northstar. Set that reminder notification on your calendar at work and take a few minutes to yourself each day. We promise you will see a difference. Here is a 3 minute video to lead you through a meditation. 

Resolution: Commit to acquiring a new skill or hobby.

Plan: Identify a skill or hobby that piques your interest, whether it's learning a language, playing a musical instrument, or delving into a new field. Set aside dedicated time each week for focused learning and exploration. Embrace the journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

Family Resolutions: Strengthening Bonds

1. Quality Time Commitment:

Resolution: Foster deeper connections within your family.

Plan: Create a family calendar that includes scheduled activities and outings. Establish regular family nights for games, movies, or outdoor adventures. Quality time is the cornerstone of strong family bonds, and by prioritizing it, you create lasting memories.

2. Effective Communication:

Resolution: Improve communication within your family unit.

Plan: Initiate regular family meetings to discuss both concerns and celebrations. Create a safe space for open communication, allowing each family member to express their thoughts and feelings. Strengthening communication can lead to better understanding and cohesion.

3. Shared Responsibilities:

Resolution: Cultivate a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Plan: Develop a family chore chart or a system for sharing household responsibilities. Assign age-appropriate tasks and encourage a collaborative effort. This not only lightens the load but instills a sense of responsibility and teamwork in every family member.

Professional Resolutions: Navigating the Career Path

1. Career Development:

Resolution: Invest in your professional growth and advancement.

Plan: Identify specific skills or certifications that will enhance your career. Create a timeline for completing courses or attending workshops. Seek guidance from mentors or career coaches, and set regular check-ins to track your progress. Use the Northstar Resource portal, where you will find a bank of skill courses that provide completion certificates. Let us know if you have questions on this item. 

2. Work-Life Balance:

Resolution: Strive for a healthier work-life balance.

Plan: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and learn to say no to commitments that may encroach on personal time. Schedule regular breaks and vacations to recharge and maintain overall well-being.

3. Networking and Relationship Building:

Resolution: Strengthen professional connections and expand your network.

Plan: Actively participate in industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in networking opportunities. Schedule regular coffee meetings or virtual calls with colleagues to build and maintain meaningful professional relationships. Networking is not just about career advancement but also about enriching your professional journey.

Incorporating resolutions across these three dimensions ensures a well-rounded and fulfilling approach to personal growth. Remember, the key to successful resolutions lies in their specificity, attainability, and the commitment you bring to their realization. As the New Year approaches, embrace the opportunity for a fresh start and a journey towards becoming the best version of yourself.