I Resolve to… Make those New Year’s resolutions real — and attainable By Merci Miglino
Say Good Bye to Perfection Many women with careers and active home lives are so caught up in doing everything perfectly that they have no time for themselves. Dr. Mo Therese Hannah, associate professor of psychology at Siena College in Loudonville, says she resolves to “honor her needs both physical and emotional.” “Perfection is exhausting,” she says. “Do the best you can, accept the fact that you are human and take care of your human needs — eat well, rest and take time to recharge with activities that energize you.”
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Think 5 Minutes a Day Leslie Thornton, a busy nurse and medical student, resolves to make time for exercise, stretching and meditation, even if it’s only 5 minutes a day. “I will bring my lunch so I don’t have to spend time getting it and then I’ll use the extra time to take a walk, or close my eyes and rest,” she says.
Feed Your Creative Side Life gets busy. We sometimes forget why we create or what value it provides in our lives. Artist Mary Frances Millet of Schenectady resolves to “enjoy my life as an artist.” “Being creative helps me enjoy my work and my family even more,” Millet says. “When we make creativity a habit, we’re always learning something new … [N]ew ways of solving problems in our artwork, and in our life.”
Build a Puzzle Finding a balance between work and home is difficult, says Albany Common Councilwoman Cathy Fahy, especially when you feel pulled in too many directions. When she’s betwixt and between so many commitments, Fahy suggests building more puzzles in 2014 as a simple way to bring greater perspective into your life. “Never in a million years did I think that I would promote puzzles, but when life gets complicated simple things can be the best remedy,” she says. “Usually one person gets inspired and before you know it, the whole family gets involved. It is a relaxing activity, it allows you to step away from the busy-ness and connect with loved ones.”
Schedule Fun Time Katie O’Malley, of Katie O Weddings and Events in Troy, resolves to schedule a date night with her fiancé and more fun time with her staff. “I’m going to make certain that I have at least one night a week dedicated to date night with my fiancé. We both have
Photos: GettyImages. Champagne, Floortje; Heart puzzle, kyoshino; Calendar, klenger.
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uring the chorus of clinking champagne glasses or amid the ritual countdown bidding good-bye to 2013 and hello to 2014, someone will inevitably turn to you and ask, “What’s your New Year’s resolution?” Often our answers involve some promise to bring more balance into our lives, to work less and enjoy life more. This longed-for balance means different things to different people, but most work-life goals share a common thread — to manage multiple responsibilities at work, at home and in the world without guilt, stress or regret. To make these resolutions really stick, experts say, they need to be specific and you have know why you are committed to them or, said another way, what’s in it for you to make the commitment and follow through. With this mind, here are some very specific and rewarding New Year’s resolutions that can help you strike a better work-life balance in the New Year.