Happy New Year! I have a number of New Year’s Resolutions for 2019. It seems I often have similar resolutions each year, but I sometimes struggle to achieve them. This year, I want to make my New Year’s resolutions public so that I can hold myself accountable. Here are my 5 top New Year’s Resolutions for 2019. I’m going to write them as general themes. See these as my top vision items. More specifics might come later on.

1. Be Healthier Physically

My 2019 new year’s resolution to be healthier centers primarily around two things: exercise and healthy eating. I’ve found that consistency is key here. There have been many times where I’ve exercised religiously for periods of time and then stopped. My aim this year is to be consistent. As far as healthy eating is concerned, for me it comes down to healthy choices and portion control. I’ve found that simply paying attention to what I eat and how much can be very beneficial.

When I exercise and eat well, I simply feel better and other things in life just seem to go more smoothly. Another thing I might add to my “be healthier” 2019 New Year’s resolution is to get more sleep and wake up earlier. I’ve found that when I get at least 8 hours, I am able to function and focus better.

2. Be Healthier Spiritually

My 2019 New Year’s resolution to be healthier spiritually involves communing with my Father in Heaven. I know there is a God and I know that he knows me personally. I know that as I actively spend time seeking him, he does guide me. He’ll do the same for you. My seeking consists of studying his word in the scriptures, and writing down my desires, thoughts, and impressions.

I find peace in the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and the words of living prophets. As I take time to record my thoughts, I find my mind is calmed and clear and I feel focused throughout my day. My 2019 New Year’s resolution this year is to be more consistent when it comes to feeding myself spiritually. In addition to prayer, meditation, and scripture study, I desire to serve well in my church responsibilities. I also find peace and direction when I visit the temple and connect with my Heavenly Father there.

3. Be Healthier Mentally

To me, mental health means keeping my mind fresh, full of positive thoughts, and full and excited about new ideas. Maintaining mental health means filling my mind with good things and throwing out the bad. One of the biggest things that will go into this for me this year is reading good books. My company has a book club where we read one book each month. In the past, I’ve been hit and miss on these. This year, I aim to read every book (either in print or via audiobook). I want to read a minimum of 12 books, with a stretch goal of 25 and a mega stretch goal of 50.

4. Share my Musical Talents More

I really like playing the piano. It’s fulfilling and soothing. One of my recent side projects has been recording soothing piano hymns and uploading them on YouTube. I’ve had a goal for quite some time to record all of the hymns in the LDS Hymnbook. For some reason, I’ve been slow in doing so. I feel that writing this out and committing to finishing the goal this year will really help. I know a lot of peace is found in listening to the hymns and I am excited to be able to share that peace with others.

4. Share my Writing More

I write for my profession. I want to expand that talent even more. In order to improve my writing, I plan to write on this blog at least 5 times each week. Some posts may be shorter than others, but I do aim to do at least some sort of post each day.

5. Progress Financially

I want to continue to progress financially. I want to have long-term stability for my family and feel financially free. Progressing financially to me means giving my all at work, possibly pushing a side venture like an Amazon business, and being smart with spending and investments.

So there you have my 2019 New Year’s Resolutions. I see them as guide posts and inspiring things. I don’t see them as rigid rules to beat myself up against. I’ll check in periodically and let you know how I’m doing on them. Here’s to a wonderful 2019!

 

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton