What’s Inside Local Events
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Weekly Reoccurring Events
5, 7, 8
Coupons
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Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls
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Practical Tips For Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions
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Live Music Every Friday and Saturday At EXO Lounge visitexo.com
Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls Page 12
Practical Tips For Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions Inside!
Local Events
NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.
LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND at EXO Lounge, 7pm on Fridays, 6pm on Saturdays at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. For more info and updates, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EXOLounge. EXO Lounge’s Live Music Events For January: Fri. Jan. 8th Live Music by Ethan Jones at 7pm Sat. Jan. 9th, Live Music by Acoustic DNA at 6pm Fri. Jan. 15th, Live Music by Mike Sonderegger at 7pm Sat. Jan. 16th, Live Music by Steven Woolley at 6pm Fri. Jan. 22nd, Drag Show, Presented by: The Turner-Coles at 9pm Sat. Jan. 23rd, Live Music by DJ Chris Brown at 6pm Fri. Jan. 29th, Live Music by Mike Sonderegger at 7pm Sat. Jan. 30th, Live Music by Alex Reyna at 6pm Looking For A Venue To Host A Private Event? EXO Lounge has a new 40’x40” event tent! Inside your find a well-heated lounge setting with TVs, high top seating, standing tables, turf, up lighting, string lighting, ceiling draping, and chandeliers. For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/ or email events@visitexo.com.
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Local Events Parking Lot BINGO, Jan. 23rd, 5- 7pm, Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway, Dr, Collinsville, IL. Join us for some old-fashioned BINGO...from the comfort of your car! We'll provide the dabbers and BINGO Cards for four rounds of BINGO! Fire pits will be available if you'd like to bring your own S'mores kits or just warm-up. Price: $10 per car. Additional concessions will be available for purchase. Register by calling the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 618-346-7529 or by visiting http://bit.ly/392D7We. Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, Feb. 6th, 8-10am. City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Celebrate Ice Cream for Breakfast Day! Drive through the Activity Center Parking Lot and pick-up your Breakfast Box, which includes single ice cream scoops for four, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, a craft for two children and other fun activities! Cost: $20 per box. Boxes will be handed out by the local heroes of the Collinsville Police Department. Sponsored by Dairy Queen and Collinsville's Parks and Recreation Department. To register, visit http://bit.ly/3s0gTwM. 5th Annual Valentine’s Day Craft Fair, Feb. 13th, 9am-2pm, Mascoutah American Legion, 1414 West Main St, Mascoutah, IL. 30 Crafters & Vendors, Baked Goods, candies, cakes, cupcakes, salsa, edible cookie dough, local honey, cookies. Just For Kicks DJ Service and The Daily Special Food Truck. 100% outside event with social distance and masks. Rain Or Shine. Free Admission & Parking. 12x12 spaces are $40.00, email Nickki at mascoutahareaevents@hotmail.com.
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Local Events Bunny Boxes- Delivered by the Easter Bunny! Mar. 27th, Mar. 28th, Apr. 3rd. Don't miss the opportunity for the Easter Bunny to come to your house and bring a very special Bunny Box! Boxes will include materials for your special Bunny Breakfast: pancake mix and fixings to make Bunny Face Pancakes for four, crafts for two children and other bunny favorites! Parents will have the opportunity to take pictures with their participants and the Easter Bunny. Deliveries limited to a 2-mile radius from Collinsville City limits. Register for a delivery by visiting http://bit.ly/3agaG65 or calling the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at (618) 346-7529. Curt Copeland's Open Mic Night at Bella Vista Winery, Wednesdays, 8-11pm @ Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St, Maryville, IL. There’s plenty of room for social distancing at the spacious Piccola Lounge with a large stage for you to shine on. We welcome all talent levels and are always happy to back you up if desired. We feature a full backline of amps and drums in addition to a professional sound system, so you sound your best. For more info, call (618) 365-6280.
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Weekly Reoccurring Events All Winter Winter Reads 2021 with Caseyville Public Library. Reading Program Features: virtual storytimes, craft take & makes, volunteer/service opportunities, coffee talks, activity bingo card, other fun activities. Packets are available at the Caseyville Library. Call the library to schedule your curbside pickup at (618)345-5848.
Monday’s O’Fallon Library Book Club (via Zoom), The O'Fallon Library Book Club meets at 7:00pm on the fourth Monday of each month. We have a round table discussion sharing views and insights about the book for the first 30 minutes or so, with a discussion on next month's pick following. January 25 - City of Girls: A Novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, February 22 - Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, March 22 - When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole, April 26 - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. You do not have to be an O’Fallon Public Library card holder to attend. For questions, please contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or (618) 206-4342. Books & Brew Book Club (virtual), 4th Monday of every month, 7-8pm. is a fun, nontraditional book club that meets at a local tap house. It's a great way to meet new people, discover amazing titles, and simply relax. We mix in both fiction and nonfiction titles, with all suggestions coming from you, the attendees! This is a no-pressure book club, meaning that you won't be scolded for not finishing any particular title. Come as you are. We don't bite. Upcoming titles: January - "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" by Agatha Christie. For questions, contact Ryan at ryan@ofpl.info or(618) 206-4342.
Tuesday’s Storytime Live (Zoom) with Glen Carbon Library, Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 2pm. To view dates and register for Tuesdays: https://bit.ly/2XdYb6N for Wednesdays: https://bit.ly/3rYYoJ9. Displays Madison and St. Clair Counties Just Unwind Yarn ClubResidential (Online via Light Zoom) with SixInMile Library District. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month to knit, socialize, and share your techniques with fellow yarn crafters. Online via Zoom. Ramblewood O’Fallon, IL 421 John Henry Road, Belleville IL Questions? Email Moye research@smrld.org with your number, and question. School Rd. O’Fallon, IL name,9telephone Barbarotto Lane, Maryville IL 1927 Llewellyn Road, Swansea IL 2036 Grandview Drive, Saint Jacob IL Six Mile Regional160 Library 6:30Pebblebrook PM on the last Tuesday PineBook Dale Club Drive,(virtual). SwanseaJoin IL us at119 Lane, Troy, ILof the month for an Online discussion of the following books. Tuesday, January 26: The Silent Patient byILAlex Michaelides 53 & 57 Dianne Drive, Belleville IL 55 Woodford Way, Collinsville, Tuesday, February1420 23: AFairwood Long Petal of the Sea by IL Isabel1904 Allende. CopiesCt., of the book areILavailable at both Drive, Belleville Pinehurst Collinsville libraries. Questions? Email research@smrld.org or call 618-452-6238 ext. 755.
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Weekly Reoccurring Events Story Time at Home (virtual), every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am with Edwardsville Public Library. Fun stories, songs, and rhymes each on week on Facebook! Join us live at 10am: https://www.facebook.com/edwardsvillelibrary/, or watch the video later at your convenience. Baby & Toddler Time - Tuesdays at 10 AM, Preschooler Story Time - Thursdays at 10 AM.
Wednesday’s Storytime Live (Zoom) with Glen Carbon Library, Tuesdays at 10 am and Wednesdays at 2pm. To view dates and register for Tuesdays: https://bit.ly/2XdYb6N for Wednesdays: https://bit.ly/3rYYoJ9. Zoom STEAM Club - Online! The second Wednesday of the month with the O’Fallon Public Library. Kids ages 6-12. The sessions will be about 30-45 minutes long. This is a FREE club. You do not need an O'Fallon Library card to participate. Activity kits will be available at the library. For more info and registration, go to https://ofpl.info/calendar.
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Thursday’s Pajama Storytimes (virtual), 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 6:30-6pm with Glen Carbon Library. Visit our Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/glencarboncentenniallibrary/, for storytimes with Miss Becky! She’ll be reading stories to help get you ready for bed. We encourage you to watch in your pajamas! Story Time at Home (virtual), Tuesday and Thursday at 10am with Edwardsville Public Library. Fun stories, songs, and rhymes each on week on Facebook! Join us live at 10am: https://www.facebook.com/edwardsvillelibrary/, or watch the video later at your convenience. Baby & Toddler Time - Tuesdays at 10 AM, Preschooler Story Time - Thursdays at 10 AM.
Saturday’s Saturday Science Lab-At Home, hosted by Six Mile Regional Library District. For Grades 2-6. Pick up an experiment kit with instructions, available at either library location starting the Thursday before the event. We will post a demonstration video to the library's social media, https://www.facebook.com/smrld.org. For dates and info about projects, go to https://www.smrld.org/event/saturday-science-lab-at-home-2/2021-01-09/. Reading Relay (virtual), Saturdays at 3pm with Glen Carbon Library. Join Miss Aimee and Miss Becky as we read from chapters in “Great Upending” by Beth Kephart! We would love for you to read aloud from some pages, or simply enjoy listening to others read to you. We will spend about 45 minutes reading and another 10 minutes discussing the book. “The Great Upending” is available on Hoopla, Cloud Library, and OverDrive. Print copies will be available to pick up starting in January. Registration is required. Go to http://bit.ly/39bF0zM.
Virtual Saturday Morning Yoga, Saturdays at 9:30am with Glen Carbon Library. Get fit and healthy when you join us for an energizing session of yoga. Registration required: http://bit.ly/2Lc9r0R. Let’s Get Crafty (virtual) with Glen Carbon Library. Join us one Saturday a month on our Facebook or YouTube page for virtual craft time! Reserve a bag of craft supplies to pick up from the library or use items you have at home. Follow along with the tutorial so we can create something wonderful together! To register, call (618) 288-1212.
Sunday’s Zoom Lego Club-Online! Hosted by The O’Fallon Public Library. Happens the 2nd Sunday of the month @2pm. Sessions will be about 30-45 minutes. We will read a book, play some games, and have some fun! Small Lego kits will be available to borrow for 2 weeks from the library for the activities. Please go to the Help desk in the children's area to borrow one of the kits. This is a FREE club. You do not have to have an O'Fallon Library card to participate. For more info, go to https://ofpl.info/events/zoom-lego-club-online. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name
Address
Other Features
Website
American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP
Kool Beanz Café
Lottie's Café
1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400
212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843
Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.
www.ihop.com
Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods
1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe
Mady's
623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188
Bar/Casino
Mady's Facebook Page
McDill's Irish Pub
334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875
Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing
https://www.facebook.c om/McDills
Peel Wood Fired Pizza
The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill
1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill
111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221
Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music
China King (Edwardsville)
1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888
Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery
www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com
China King (Troy)
535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886
Dine in/Carry Out
See Menu
www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com
Asian
Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant
Zapata's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474
Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood. Specials/Gaming/Party Room com
Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday
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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-1286
2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-1352
301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 624-6013
6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581
Handee Mart
411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-3667
https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/
Huck's Convenient Food Store
1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 632-4807
www.hucks.com
702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-9777
Pilot Travel Center Shell
970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787
pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com
TA
819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9931
www.ta-petro.com
Circle K
Moto Mart
www.circlek.com
www.shell.com
Retail & Services Bike Surgeon
201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-1693
https://bikesurgeon.com/
Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist
2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062
(618) 410-0882
www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist
Chiropractic Works
410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 477-8364
www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com
Code 3 Spices
302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8855
https://code3spices.com/
DogWatch Hidden Fences
Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com
(618) 692-9131
www.dogwatchofillinois.com
Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell
303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com
(618) 622-4977
www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell
Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli
804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-6268
https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/
Lonnie's Liquors
2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-3430
1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-0611
25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260
(618) 476-7490
7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 638-2710
Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com
(314) 241-8873
Mike's Automotive
Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf
www.metroeastmessenger.com
www.mikesautomotive.net
www.xgreensynthetic.com 10
Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville
8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(480) 725-1637
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Days Inn Collinsville
12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 803-4032
www.wyndhamhotels.com
4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 346-0607
www.marriott.com
Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville
6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8400
www.laquintacollinsville.com
(618) 223-5383
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 624-3636
www.choicehotels.com
(618) 212-1300
www.ihg.com
(618) 688-2526
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 398-7124
www.radisonhotels.com
Best Western- Troy
2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9200
www.bestwestern.com
Red Roof Inn
2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-2222
www.redroof.com
Super 8-Troy
910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 505-1189
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Best Western
116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-8600
www.bestwestern.com
Extended Stay America
154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-1757
www.extendedstayamerica.com
La Quinta Inn & Suites
136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 726-2323
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Sleep Inn
140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 589-3999
www.choicehotels.com
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-4900
www.marriott.com
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Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls A new year brings with it new opportunities to better yourself in all kinds of ways, including your health. Start by evaluating your at-home menu to make sure it aligns with your nutritional goals. This recipe for Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls, from Atkins, is one of the better-for-you options that fits within a low-carb lifestyle. Vegetarian Ramen Zoodle Bowls Recipe courtesy of “The Atkins 100 Eating Solution” Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 4 large eggs ice water 2 cups fresh water 1 quart vegetable broth 5 ounces (3 cups) broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces 10 ounces (4 cups) spiralized zucchini (Family Features) 5 ounces (5 packed cups) baby spinach 1 tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, white miso paste ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, plus additional for garnish, to taste 2 cups mung bean sprouts, for garnish chili garlic sauce, for garnish 1 cup shredded raw carrot, for garnish 4 tablespoons crushed peanuts, for garnish In large saucepan of gently boiling water, cook eggs 7 minutes then transfer to bowl of ice water. Drain cooking water from saucepan then add broth and fresh water. Bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook 3 minutes then add zucchini and spinach. Continue cooking until spinach is wilted and zucchini is crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Ladle about 1/2 cup broth from saucepan into small bowl. Add miso paste and 1/4 teaspoon salt; whisk to combine. Return mixture to soup, add sesame oil and stir to combine. Add additional salt, to taste. Cover to keep warm. Remove eggs from ice bath; peel then cut in half lengthwise. Ladle 2 cups soup into four serving bowls. Top each portion with one egg and 1/2 cup sprouts. Drizzle with chili garlic sauce and additional sesame oil, to taste. Top each serving with 1/4 cup shredded carrot and 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts. Nutritional information per serving: 10 grams net carbs; 17 grams total carbs; 7 grams fiber; 16 grams protein; 13 grams fat; 253 calories. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Practical Tips For Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions Is anyone else excited to start a new year? 2020 was an “off the charts” crazy year. It’s time to put it behind us and press on to better and brighter things. Now, we all know that flipping the calendar won’t automatically bring everything back to a pre-Covid normal. It doesn’t even promise smoother days ahead. But, for me, there has always been something special about new, fresh beginnings. I don’t always make new years resolutions. But I do like the process of reflecting on the past year, evaluating my personal growth and relationships and making a pivot (or at least a step in the right direction) toward new goals. And after celebrating and indulging over the holiday season (as well as picking up some bad quarantine habits), this season of setting new goals in January is very much welcomed in my house! So, let’s talk about new year’s resolutions. Why do so many people make new year’s resolutions? Most of us have ways that we’d like to improve (e.g., exercising more, eating healthier, putting more money aside for savings). We also remember times in our past when we’ve failed at those goals. Certain occasions, like new year’s, Mondays, the beginning of the month, a new school year, and birthdays, can cause us to reflect on our lives (and the things we’ve failed at) and long for a fresh start to make better decisions. Researchers from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, call this the “fresh-start effect.” The researchers called these times “temporal landmarks.” Researchers also found that “fresh start effect” occurs in anticipation of approaching a temporal landmark like a new decade birthday. During their research they found that among 500 first-time marathon runners, the 9enders, people whose ages ended in 9 (e.g., 29, 39, 49, etc.), represented over 48% in their age groups. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful. That means over half of the people who set a goal for the new year will fail! Some say, “why even bother?” On the flip side of this, you miss 100% of the opportunities that you never take, so take the opportunity even if there is a chance you won’t succeed. Even if you don’t succeed, a good solid effort at a goal will bring about some personal growth. And isn’t that what life’s about, growing and maturing? www.metroeastmessenger.com
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PRACTICAL TIPS 1. Think Small Set small goals and aim for continuous improvement. The typical approach to selfimprovement is to set a large goal, then try to take big leaps in order to accomplish the goal as quickly as possible. This usually ends in burn out, frustration and failure. Instead, aim to do just a little better each day, even if it’s only a 1% increase. James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says, “In the beginning, there is basically no difference between making a choice that is 1 percent better or 1 percent worse. (In other words, it won't impact you very much today.) But as time goes on, these small improvements or declines compound and you suddenly find a very big gap between people who make slightly better decisions daily and those who don't. If you get one percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the end of the year.” Also, according to the largest study on New Year's resolutions to date, people who create resolutions that add behaviors rather than erase them are more likely to maintain them for a year. It's a slight shift that tweaks how you phrase the resolution. Instead of saying "I will quit or avoid" change it to "I will start to". This is another small tweak that will increase your chances of succeeding in your new goal.
2. Write, Plan, Track People who write down their goals are 42 percent more likely to achieve them. That alone is big incentive. But why does this work? Writing down your goals clarifies your focus and helps you to see them in black and white. It also engages your brain in a different way. Writing goals forces your brain to encode it and transfer it to your hippocampus, where it is assigned greater importance for remembering. Planning is also essential. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Planning how you will achieve it is like giving your brain a road map. Think about the days ahead, the obstacles you foresee and how you will overcome them. This visualization is crucial. The final step is to track your progress and review. This will show what parts of your plan are working, and which are not. Expect bad days because they will come. Remember, progress over perfection. This year, I ordered the Best Self Journal from Bestself.co (pictured right) . It’s a 13-week planner that shows you how to set, plan and track progress towards your biggest goals. To order yours, go to https://bestself.co/products/self-journal. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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3. Celebrate Small Wins If you’ve written down your goals, planned and tracked them, you’ll know if you’ve been successful. Start celebrating the small wins early. There is science behind this thought process. When you accomplish something, it activates the reward center of our brains, allowing us to feel a sense of pride. Specifically, the neurochemical dopamine is released and energizes us with feel-good emotions. This chemical helps you to experience the feeling of getting rewarded and can hook you on wanting to achieve it even more. However, if you don’t notice your accomplishments, these opportunities are missed. Look for them each day, week and month and celebrate them! No wins, this week? That’s ok. Any time you fail to make a change, consider it a step toward your goal. Why? Because each sincere attempt represents a lesson learned. When you hit a snag, take a moment to think about what did and didn't work. Maybe you took on too big a challenge? If so, scale back to a less ambitious challenge, or break the big one into tinier steps. Another helpful tip is writing a letter to your future self. Envision yourself achieving your goals, how it will feel and how life will be different. Then, write those feelings and images down on paper and put it away for a future time when you need motivation. Or email the letter to yourself. Go to https://www.futureme.org/ to set this up and your letter will be emailed to you on a future date at your request. This can be a powerful motivator to keep pushing on when you have a bad day. Whatever your 2021 goals may be, we hope these tips will help you in the days ahead. We wish all of you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Cindy Chi, Editor of The Metro East Messenger
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