This is a great time to start reflecting on this year’s achievements as well as the changes that happened throughout the year. What are your New Year resolutions for 2017?
As the New Year slowly but surely fast creeping up to us, many people are reevaluating and realigning their New Year’s resolution. This is a great time to start reflecting on this year’s achievements as well as the changes that happened throughout the year.
As we approach New Year, it is also the time to turn over a new leaf and leave all old habits. We have shared few tips for you get on with new resolutions for 2016.
Planning a trip and making an experience out of it
It’s tempting to want to get out and see more of the world, especially if you feel stuck in your rut or you haven’t been anywhere lately. This is one of the most common resolutions, so be different and think outside the box of how you can make the trip more meaningful. Plan a trip to visit an AFSer in their country or revisit your host country AFS style.
Remember that life is too short to not do what you want. Get out. See the world.
**If you are new to AFS, consider study abroad programs with AFS. Our recruitment will be reopen in Jan 2016, so look out for announcement on it!
Doing one small act of kindness every week
Giving back does not mean you have to donate all of your money to charity. It could mean donating your time by volunteering. Be a volunteer at your choice of community service organization at your own time. Giving back to the community can give you sense of purpose, increase self-confidence, and make you happier.
**You can always consider volunteering for AFS Malaysia. Want to find out more? Learn more on AFS Volunteer opportunities
Learn Something New
Resolving to learn something new is thrilling: the world is full of fascinating facts, skills and talents. And the process of discovering them, not just the end results, is enjoyable and rewarding. You can never have enough skills in life! New Year is the perfect time for you to the new you!
Duolingo and Babbel both offer great apps for learning a variety of different languages
Meeting new people
In the upcoming year, you might want to find more opportunities for networking by meeting new people. Meeting new people can be beneficial for your mental well-being and help in your career. When we get stuck in a rut, we usually end up staying at home most of the time, missing out on a lot of interesting opportunities for networking and having fun. So don’t be afraid to get out there and make some friends. Forget your shyness, gain some knowledge and go and get to know new and interesting people! Embrace the new you!
Turn your phone off
We know this is difficult to do but try to switch your smartphone off a bit more. Lately, we are obsessed with smartphones, checking it out all the time. We’re pretty sure your family would rather you looked them in the eye and told them about your day than rattled through another level of Candy Crush at tea time. Ignore this if you are reading this article on your phone.
How to keep your New Year Resolutions
1. Create goals that are specific and measurable
Use goals to be more specific and measurable. This is because goals are achievable. Plus, adding a specific deadline can make you see clearly about your goals.
2. Allow yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment and progress
Don’t make it a resolution that you “should” want or what other people tell you to want. It has to fit with your own values. Make realistic goals and ensure that it is real and specific. If you able to realize your accomplishment and progress, it means you’re a step ahead to reach your goal even though it is a slow progress.
3. Know your limitations and don’t let setbacks derail your momentum
Don’t push yourself and expect too much. Unrealistic expectations often make you want to give up and you will likely give up your goals entirely because you think that you already failed. It’s probably best to keep your resolutions to nothing more than three. That way it’s easier to achieve them.
A New Year marks new beginnings for all. Thus, start a fresh chapter on your book with realistic New Year’s resolutions and make year 2016 your best one!
Happy New Year from AFS Malaysia!