New Year's Resolutions

We’re not a clean eating, fitness maintaining, topknot-wearing Instagram feed. We are real people. We like sleeping in late and eating chocolate and we know we’re not going to change that. We will have the last slice of cake, please! And seriously, who has the time? Why do we try to manufacture better versions of ourselves by doing more and stressing more when we already know that the best way to enjoy life is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride? So, when it comes to turning over a new leaf in the rapidly approaching New Year, how about you set some goals that you’ll actually want to achieve?

1. Stop putting things off til tomorrow

Procrastination. Stop doing it. Easier said then done, right? But honestly, what’s stopping you from doing what you want today? (Or on the weekend – we get it, you have obligations!) Stop doubting your own abilities and get it done! Always wanted to chop off your hair and rock a pixie cut? Go make an appointment with your hairdresser! Afraid it will be a disaster? Start small and get a generous trim instead. Commit to your goals and don’t disappoint yourself.

2. Stop worrying about things you have no control over

The bus was late. It looks like it might rain. Someday, the world is going to end. Worrying and stressing can cause your thoughts to escalate quickly and uncontrollably until suddenly you find yourself in the midst of a full-blown existential crisis. Breathe. Relax. Take time out and go get a massage. Let out your frustrations with a game of Paintball. And in the wise words of Queen Elsa of Arendelle, “let it go.”

3. Stop saying ‘yes’ to everything that comes your way

Saying yes is a great way to open yourself up to new experiences, to meet new people, and to challenge yourself by accepting everything that comes your way. But it comes to a point where saying yes to everything is just plain unhealthy. You need to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and start doing the things you actually want to do. As they say, nobody really cares if you don’t go to the party! If your boss asks you to cover someone’s shift but you were really looking forward to going home early and catching up on Home & Away, you’re allowed to say so! (Or, you know, make up a better excuse that won’t get you fired. We won’t tell.)

4. Stop trying to be the world’s most perfect human being

Let’s be honest, perfect is boring. Perfect is taking life way too seriously. Perfect is not being able to laugh at yourself and your misfortunes. Perfect is not being able to learn and grow from your mistakes. Maintaining an illusion of perfection is stressful. Imperfection is where the fun is at! Would you rather hear the story about how I cooked a MasterChef-worthy, culinary masterpiece or the version where I burnt the food, singed the eyebrows off my face and had the fire brigade show up at my front door? (And you wouldn’t be the first to suggest I take some cooking lessons!) We love hearing about other people’s failures because it allows us to realise that perfection is a fallacy and we're all pretty similar in the end.