The start of a new year is often the perfect timing to think about what you’ve accomplished the past year and what you want to change or continue doing in the new year. This usually results in creating New Year’s resolutions that are often forgotten in about 2 weeks. I’m thinking about my life goals a lot lately and I came to the conclusion that every aspect or change I was thinking about ended up in the same goal: being happy and more positive. The only question left was; how will I accomplish this? I wanted to make sure that my “changes” or “actions” are doable and easy to maintain. I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking about these things, so I thought it could be useful to share my personal “action plan” for 2016!

These are my ways to make 2016 happier and more positive!

Try something different / get out of the comfort zone

If you keep doing the same things and visit the same places, there won’t be much change in your life. If you want your life to evolve, you need to get out of your comfort zone and try different things. If you’re complaining about certain aspects of your life, start thinking why you’re not happy about them. How do certain things you’re not happy about happen? Who is involved? Why? Maybe there’s something there that you can change?
For example; by getting older my circle of friends is getting smaller or I don’t get to see them as much as before, because everyone is getting married and/or having kids. So I decided I had to meet up with new people to expand my “habitat” and started online dating. Which normally isn’t really my thing, but I’m having fun with it lately! I already experienced some fun nights out.

Surround yourself with positive influences

I decided that from now on, I want to spend my time only with people who have a positive influence on me. After all, people who cause drama or don’t appreciate you for who you are, aren’t worth your time nor energy. Those who you consider to be a good friend are the ones you need to focus on. People that aren’t genuine or are hidebound don’t deserve your time. Surround yourself with positive people or things, so you can keep focusing on the good not the bad. The more you focus on the good, the happier you will be!

Put everything in perspective

Stop making a big deal out of the little things! Is it really worth the drama or the stress? Most of the time it isn’t, so get over it and move on! Don’t waste energy!
Also try to understand other people. If you know the reason why a certain person reacts a certain way, it’s easier to get along. If you make presumptions or are so hidebound you refuse to see the other side of things, you will never get something positive out of it.

Be thankful and focus on the good

By writing down every day what you’re thankful for and focusing on the positive things that happened that day, you will become more appreciative and happier. I have a notebook on my night stand in which I write down positive things that happened or accomplishments I’m proud of. I also write down actions to be happier or more positive. It may sound crazy and a lot of work, but it only takes 5 minutes and it does work!

Eat healthy and get more energy

I don’t feel confident about my body at the moment and half of my Summer wardrobe doesn’t fit anymore, so I stopped buying sweets and cookies. I started my Herbalife lifestyle again, which worked perfectly 2 years ago but disappeared due to a lot of changes at that time in my life. Knowing that if I persevere I will lose a lot of weight again, keeps me going and eating healthier gives me more energy to do other things as well.

Get active and be stronger!

Linked to the previous I also started going to the gym again. Due to a back injury a few weeks ago I started realizing that my body is actually the only device which makes it possible to keep travelling. So I want to make it healthier by eating wisely and make it stronger by exercising. I don’t want to be out of breathe by doing something easy and muscles are needed to climb mountains or to pull myself up. So consider your body as your transportation through life. If it doesn’t work anymore, you’re stuck for good.

Book those trips you want to do or start saving money to do them next year

I always need something to look forward to. Which is why I always make sure I have a trip booked. I already planned 4 trips for 2016. But I’m still considering a 5th one. In 2017 I want to do a bigger further trip so I’m trying to save money for that as well. If you’re dreaming of a certain destination, just do it. No money? Make up a saving plan so you can start dreaming of your next trip becoming reality next year! And don’t book your dream trip in high season, you can save a lot of money by going off season!

Do you have new year’s resolutions? Don’t hesitate to share them in the comments down below!