Most New Year’s resolutions are passing whims, things you promise to change about yourself with no real intention of actually seeing them through – like giving up chocolate and carbs on weekdays or promising to go to the gym every morning before work.
In fact, only 10 per cent of people actually manage to keep their resolutions.
So this year, instead of confusing yourself with false promises and improbable dreams, focus on improving one key thing – your self-confidence.
After all, most classic New Year’s resolutions – like the perennial favorite, losing weight – come off the back of insecurities or things you’re unhappy about within yourself.
What you really need is a confidence boost. To help you on your way, we’re going through some of the healthiest and biggest lifestyle changes for feeling confident – and sharing a few top tips on how you can accomplish them.
Sign up to learn a new sport
Releasing stress-reducing endorphins, feeling healthier, getting out of the house – working out has so many benefits that’ll help boost your body confidence. The only problem is actually finding the motivation to get off the sofa and head to the gym.
Instead of seeing exercise as a boring chore, sign yourself up to a local sports team, running club or block of classes. Joining a community of other fitness seekers makes cardio much more social and enjoyable – and you’ll learn a boast-worthy new skill at the same time.
Take the plunge on surgery
Don’t get us wrong – undergoing any surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, is not a decision to be taken lightly in the pursuit of a New Year transformation.
But if you’ve been dreaming of having your boobs done or your nose altered for as long as you can remember, then now might be the time to do it – just don’t rush into a boob job or any other procedure before fully talking it through with your spouse and an expert consultant.
Follow a healthy sleeping pattern
Let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of getting caught in a Netflix loop or lying in bed flicking through Facebook. But staying up late and missing out on vital snoozing hours means we’re not getting to feel the many benefits of sleep (like reduced stress and improved concentration).
Get yourself into a healthy and regular sleeping pattern over the next year – and stick to it even on the weekends when you don’t actually have to get up – for an easy confidence-boost.
Fill up on mood-boosting foods
Sugar, caffeine, and alcohol are the three worst foods for feeling sluggish and out of sorts – which is gutting because they also happen to be your favorites.
You don’t have to cut out morning coffees and Friday wine nights for good, it’s all about finding a balance. So long as you also fill up on plenty of mood-busting foods, you should be able to follow a perfectly healthy and enjoyable diet without a struggle.
Don’t waste your New Year making tired, unrealistic resolutions you’re only ever going to fail – instead, keep working on these four changes for a confident and happy 2017.