Gearing up for the New Year with 7 Goals

How can it already be the end of 2018? Every year seems to fly by even faster than the last. With a new year right around the corner, many are thinking of ways they can better themselves or their circumstances. Here in Bald Head Island, we are planning out our year and ways we can make 2019 our best year yet.

Take the Trip – Stop telling yourself “one day…” and book the trip! Travel! Many people know how much time they can take off work that year in January. Start looking for deals during the timeframe you’re interested in. Check our Bald Head Island specials to get the best rate on your trip to the island. Don’t let another year pass you by just wishing you had planned a getaway. 

New Habits – Want to break a habit or add some new habits? There’s always something new we’d like to try. Maybe you want to give up fast food or use the stairs more instead of the elevator. Maybe you want to get up an hour earlier or go to sleep at a decent time. They say it takes 21 days to create a habit. Mark the calendar for 21 days and start working!

Get Outside – Being out in nature is known to boost your mood. Fresh air, sunlight, and getting your body moving has so many health benefits. Take a walk during your lunch break or have your morning coffee on the porch. Many Bald Head Island vacation rentals have spacious wraparound decks perfect for enjoying the weather. 

Try New Things – Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s a new food or drink, a new place, or a new hobby, these things can have a positive impact on personal growth. Sometimes fear can keep us from taking a leap and experimenting but think of all the great experiences you have had in the past when you tried something new. 

Practice Gratitude – Many of us have to remind ourselves to be grateful. Practicing gratitude Is a wonderful reminder each day to help us keep our minds on a positive track. A common practice is writing down three things at the end of each day that you’re grateful for. Dr. Alex Korb says it’s not about finding gratitude that matters most; it’s remembering to look in the first place. As the brain gets used to seeking out the positives, it becomes more efficient at finding them. This simple act increases serotonin production. 

Free Day – Ditch the schedule and have a free day. The best days are spontaneous so forget about routine and wing it. Meet a friend for coffee and go shopping at the mall. Catch a matinee movie. Take a walk on the beach. Do whatever you feel like doing and don’t worry about deadlines. Get an extra rush by leaving your phone behind. Unplug and enjoy the day without the weight of responsibilities. 

Make a Vision Board – When you have a visual reminder of what you’re working towards, it helps you focus on these even more in your everyday life. Have a trip in mind you want to take? Hang up a photo of your dream destination. Want to get in shape by summer? Put up a photo of a swimsuit. Want to remind yourself of the importance of self-care? Add some spa or meditation photos. Studies have shown that when you visualize something regularly, your brain trains your body for that reality. 

These are seven things we’ll try to incorporate for a new year in Bald Head Island. At the end of the first quarter, come back to the list and check on your progress. New year, new you!

Published on Saturday, December 15, 2018