10 New Year resolutions that will really make a difference to your life as we enter 2021

AS we wave goodbye to the chaos that has been 2020, what will you strive to do more of this year?

So many things were put on hold as coronavirus scuppered thousands of individuals’ plans, as well as disrupting fun and exciting activities in Derby and Derbyshire.

With the hope things will get better as 2021 emerges, what will your New Year’s resolutions be?

Perhaps you just want to eat an entire packet of chocolate Hob Nobs all to yourself. If that is an important life goal for you, then go for it.

Maybe you are reflecting on your unrealistic fitness goals or your rather vague idea to quit your job and go travelling around the world.

For anyone who is unsure how to turn their life around, we have put together a list of simple and achievable resolutions that could make a real difference to you and those around you.

1. Learn to say ‘No’

Although we are all raised to be obliging to others, there is no earthly reason to say “yes” to everything. You don’t have to join in all the time, or do something you really do not want to do, simply because you have been asked. If you keep saying yes to things you hate, you’ll end up having to do them for the rest of your lives.

2. Don’t say ‘No’ out of habit

Sometimes it does us all good to try something new, at least from time to time. We all have things that we think we will hate that, once we try, we find we actually enjoy.

Give it a go.

3. Accept that it’s okay not to know everything.

Far better to ask a stupid question than remain ignorant. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, there are no stupid questions, just a lot of really stupid assumptions made because someone was afraid to ask.

4. Don’t get stuck in a rut

It’s very easy to keep doing the same thing over and over. While there’s a lot to be said for developing a comfortable life, it’s all too easy to drop into a rut. If you suspect you may be in one, there’s no need to panic and change everything in your life. Something as small as buying a new nail polish or tie can lift you.

5. Don’t make time for people who are bad for you

Perhaps there are people who make it impossible for you to break bad habits, perhaps there are those who stress you out. They may take every opportunity to put you down, or mess you around. You know who they are. You know how they make you feel. You don’t need them. Simple as that.

6. It really is time to stop waiting for that ‘special occasion’

If you have an expensive perfume, or a favourite piece of jewellery you should be wearing it every day. It’s likely that you, or someone you love, spent a fair bit of money on it, why would you wait for the odd day a month when you go out on the town to enjoy it? Why hide it away the rest of the year? It’s all about cost per wear. If you paid £50 for something and use it once, it costs you £50 a time. Use it every week, and it’s less than £1 a time!

7. Stop offering to do something ‘if you can’t find anyone else’

If you say this you will be the one receiving a last-minute phone call to help. No one, but no one who has a volunteer willing to step in at the last minute will bother to find someone else. Ask yourself, would you look any further? No, of course not’t.

8. Remember to play

I’m not suggesting you get out your old space hopper (although if that butters your muffin …) but we all need to find time to play. To indulge in a bit of fun. It might be watching a favourite old film from the 80s. Or eating a Sherbert Fountain. Don’t be shy. It does us good!

9. Don’t feel guilty about things that aren’t your fault

If you are truly to blame for some catastrophic event, or even a little one, then fine, feel guilty and try to rectify the situation. If, however, something has happened that you could do nothing about and yet you still feel guilty? Stop! There are plenty of people out there trying to dodge the blame, don’t be the one trying to take on the guilt unless you are responsible. Got it?

10. You can only live the life you’re in

There are many things you cannot change. Particularly the past. Accept this and concentrate on changing the life you have now, not the one you lived 10 years ago. It’s gone.