3 Tips to Not Having the Same Ol’, Same Ol’ Year

     As we celebrate another year’s beginning, the phrase we tend to hear is, “Happy New Year!”  Have you ever heard, “Happy Old Year?”  No?  Why not?  Is it because we are optimistic that the new year is going to be different from the prior one or are we saying “Happy New Year” just to be nice?
     What is your plan or resolution for this new year?  Are you wanting things in your life to change for the positive?  If so, what are you doing about it?  I must confess, almost every year, I resolve to losing weight.  I really mean it in 2012 since I have a milestone class reunion. By the end of January, that resolution is no longer a thought in my head.  I’ve given up.  I’m not making any or much noticeable progress.  Sound familiar?
     What is the secret to making your resolutions and goals a reality and not a not-so-distant memory?  What can you do today that will yield progress in the coming days, while not getting discouraged?   Do you truly want to make it a “Happy New Year?” 

Here are three suggestions on how to make it happen:
    • Is the economy getting you down?  How about a present situation at home or work?  Though you may get into a “funk” at times, decide to be happy anyway.  Ok, if you don’t, when?  When the economy gets better?  When that ideal job opportunity opens up? 
    • Don’t wait to take action and then be happy.  Do it now.  Really, Darcy?  I don’t know my circumstances, you say?  True, I don’t.  But, happiness is a treasure and a choice that we have access to right now.  Don’t wait until you lose that extra 10 lbs., until you get married, until you buy a house, until you have kids, until you retire, and…well, you get the picture.  Be happy now.  Happiness is in your head.
    • You control your own destiny.  Do you want 2012 to be the same as 2011?   Were there events in 2011 that you would like NOT to see repeated in 2012?  I know I do.  But, how can history not repeat itself?  The answer lies making good choices.  If you sit around and do nothing, what‘s going to happen?  Nothing.  If you make a poor decision without weighing the consequences, you may end up in the same predicament that you were before.  Why not take control of what happens to you by evaluating your current situation and learning from it to make a better choice?  What can YOU do to take control of what happens to you?

     Let’s put the “Happy” back into “Happy New Year”.   Happiness is now, not after a ten pound loss, not after my children leave to go to college, not after you retire.  Get out of your funk and decide to be happy by taking action now.  You control how you feel.  Happiness is inside you always and helps you get through the tough times.  Why not let it out and have a Happy 2012?  What are some ways that you do this?