8 steps towards your resolution

The new year is fast approaching and I know many of you, as I do, create a resolution you are adamant on fulfilling but sadly rarely ever comes to fruition. Why is that? Well I am no expert but from past experiences I think it has a lot to do with having too high of an expectation on ourselves. Sure, it is a great idea to want to do better for ourselves, I wish everyone would. But if you haven't already begun baby steps and stuck to it, how do you expect to achieve such large goals? Granted, I know there are some of you out there that are super-human and get shit done! Kudos to you. But for the vast majority of us that is not the case. So here are 8 steps to start now towards a healthier and happier life, so you'll be successful with your new years resolution.

1. Think positive and have gratitude. Sure we all have something about ourselves we aren't happy with but getting down about it isn't going to help. Be thankful for what you have and for the things about yourself you do appreciate. Be positive that you'll overcome your dislikes. A positive mind has positive outcomes.
2. Sleep. Let's face it we don't get enough shut eye. While some of you may only need 4 to 6 hours of sleep, others may need 6 to 8 hours. Know what you need and respect your body enough to have it.
3. Drink water. I know many of you think you drink plenty, but the fact is most people don't drink enough water. Replace that third cup of coffee with a glass of water instead. Put down the soda can and have some water instead. Your body will thank you.
4. Develop healthy eating habits. I know not everyone wants to do the Paleo diet, I'm not fully on board either. But you have to admit you don't eat as healthy as you think you do. Add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Cut back on the refine sugar (or do like I am and cut it completely out of your diet). Small changes here and there add up to big changes.
5. Be active. Ok, so now you're an adult and you've been busting your ass all day at work and all you want to do is go home, sit on your couch with a beer in hand, and veg out. I don't blame you, there are days that is all I want to do and I do it (minus the beer). But keeping a sedentary lifestyle will lead to a very unhappy golden years. Get up and do something. At the very least do 30 minutes a day of physical activity. 
6. Stretch/mobility. You know how flexible kids are in the way they move around? Well we lose that as we age, unless you're a super-human (or a gymnast). Regain some of that flexibility.
7. Do something you love. When you focus on an activity that makes you happy, your stress level drops. 
8. Laugh. Do this every day, it is so good for your mind, body, and soul.

This photo was taken from Pinterest.