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Why making new year’s resolutions in 2023 is better than ever

You might be thinking that making new year’s resolutions is so last year, but hear us out.

There are plenty of reasons why 2023 is the perfect year to set resolutions—and stick to them.

Humans are hardwired to make resolutions. Our brains are drawn to setting goals and making plans for the future, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t do so.

Ready to make some resolutions? Let’s roll!

Overcoming common roadblocks to success

How do you increase your chances of sticking to your resolutions and achieving your goals? Well, make achievable ones.

There’s a reason why people are more likely to achieve their fitness goals than their financial ones. When it comes to money, the stakes can feel high and people can feel overwhelmed.

But when it comes to fitness, the goals are usually more specific and tangible—”I want to be able to run 1 km without stopping” or “I want to lose 5 kg.”

One way to make your resolutions more achievable is to focus on one priority area for the first 3 months of the year. This way, you’re not trying to change everything at once, which can feel daunting and impossible. Instead, you’re taking it one step at a time and focusing on just Q1.

The psychology behind new year’s resolutions

You might be one of the many people who think that new year’s resolutions are overrated. After all, how many times have you set resolutions that you haven’t been able to keep?

But here’s where the psychology of new year’s resolutions comes in. The new year marks a cyclical point in time where we can take inventory of our lives. It’s a time to evaluate where we’ve been and where we want to go.

And that’s why resolutions still work, even in 2023.

Benefits of staying focused and on track

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When you have a goal, you’re more likely to stay focused and on track.

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’re more likely to stick to your diet if you have a specific intent in mind (like losing 2 kg in a month). Having a plan gives you something to work towards and motivates you to keep going even when things get tough.

Plus, studies have shown that setting goals can make you happier. That’s because accomplishing a goal gives you a sense of achievement. And when you set a goal that’s challenging but achievable, it can also give you a boost of confidence.

How to make better resolutions for 2023

If you’re still not sold on the whole new year’s resolution thing, then let us give you a few tips on how to make better resolutions for 2023.

Start small and achievable.

The biggest reason why people fail at their resolutions is that they’re overly ambitious.

So instead of saying you will work out every day, start with 3 times a week. Smaller goals are more manageable and less daunting, which means you’re more likely to stick with them.

Be specific and start now, not tomorrow.

Another reason why people fail at their resolutions is that they’re not specific enough.

Rather than saying you want to eat healthier, be detailed about what that means. Maybe you want to eat more fruits and vegetables for dinner or cut down on processed food on weekdays. And instead of saying tomorrow, start now!

Reward yourself when goals are accomplished.

Finally, make sure to reward yourself when you accomplish your goals. This will help motivate you to keep going.

For example, if your goal is to lose 5 kg, buy yourself a smaller pair of jeans when you reach your goal. Or if your goal is to work out 3 times a week, treat yourself to a massage after 4 weeks of sticking to your plan. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that will inspire you to keep going.

So, if you’re feeling down on new year’s resolutions, or you’ve tried and failed in the past, we encourage you to try again in 2023. It may seem like a long journey ahead, but by making a plan now and setting some small goals, you will be on your way to righting the wrong of past years.

How to respectfully disagree with a colleague without making things uncomfortable

You’ve probably been in this situation before: you strongly disagree with a colleague about something, but rather than share your opinion, you hold back for fear of causing conflict.

It’s easy to let disagreements fester when we bottle them up, but it’s also important to find a way to communicate effectively with our colleagues.

In this article, we will explore some tips for respectfully disagreeing with a colleague without making things uncomfortable.

Make sure your tone is respectful and thoughtful

You don’t want to come across as confrontational or aggressive.

Start by explaining your point of view clearly and concisely. Be prepared to listen to your colleague’s response, and be willing to change your mind if they provide a valid argument.

Avoid using sarcasm or inflammatory language, and try not to take things too personally. If things get heated, take a break from the conversation and revisit it later. It’s always best to resolve conflicts diplomatically, and that doesn’t mean you’re compromising on your beliefs.

Acknowledge the other person’s point of view

Acknowledging their perspective doesn’t mean you agree with them, but it shows that you’re listening and that you respect their opinion. It also helps to establish a calm and respectful tone for the conversation.

Avoid personal attacks or criticism

Don’t attack anyone personally, criticize, or make them feel defensive. Just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean that you need to be loathsome. Frame your requests in a way that’s constructive rather than critical.

For example, rather than saying “you’re doing it wrong,” try “I think there might be a better way to do it.” Use “I” instead of “you” statements. For instance, say “I didn’t like the way that felt” instead of “you made me feel uncomfortable.”

Avoid accusing words or phrases

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Try to use neutral language.

Rather than saying “You’re wrong about this,” you could say “I see things differently.” Or, instead of “You’re not considering all the facts,” you could say “I think there’s more to this than what we’re seeing.”

By using neutral language, you will increase the chances that your colleague will be open to hearing your perspective and potentially changing their point of view.

Respect differing opinions and stay open-minded

This doesn’t mean you have to change your sentiment, but it does mean that you need to be open to the possibility that you might be wrong. And, of course, the same goes for the other person too.

When you respect differing opinions and stay open-minded, it shows that you’re mature enough to hear what others have to say. It also creates an environment where people feel comfortable coming to you with their thoughts and opinions—even if they collide with your own.

Be careful of body language and facial expressions

Your body language and facial expressions can say a lot more than your words—so be aware of what they’re conveying.

For instance, if you cross your arms across your chest, that can come across as defensive. Instead, try to keep your arms open and your hands visible to show that you’re not being confrontational.

And if you’re making a statement that you know might be controversial or polarizing, it can help to offer an explanation or qualifier. For instance, instead of saying “X is the best way to do things,” you could say “In my experience, X has been the most successful approach.” This helps to show that you’re not closed off to other possibilities and that you’re just sharing your point of view.

Disagreeing with a colleague can be tough, but good to learn how to do it the right way. You don’t want to make them feel defensive, so be respectful. We hope you’ve found the few tips in this article useful for future implementation. Now, put them to good use this new year, and let us know if it works.

Is it possible to over-prepare for an interview?

When it comes to prepping for interviews, it’s easy to go overboard.

You might spend hours researching the company, preparing questions, and rehearsing your responses. But is all that effort necessary?

In this article, we will take a closer look at over-prepping. Plus, we will give you some tips on how to strike the perfect balance between preparation and overkill.

What does it mean to over-prepare for an interview?

We want you to picture a candidate who has memorized every fact and detail about the company. This can include everything from the company’s history to its latest products and services. What do you think?

Potential drawbacks of over-preparing

Many interviewers see over-preparing as a turn-off. If you come across as robotic, it can make you seem inauthentic and unlikeable.

Another potential downside of over-preparing is overconfidence. It’s good to be confident, but you don’t want to come across as someone who’s rigid and inflexible. Ultimately, the key is to find the right balance between preparation and authenticity. Strike a chord between the two and you will likely be golden.

Tips to avoid over-preparing

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You might be tempted to try and prepare for every possible question an interviewer could ask you.

But the truth is, you can’t predict everything. And if you focus too much on preparing for specific questions, you will end up sounding too rehearsed.

Instead, try to focus on having thoughtful conversations with your interviewer. Be prepared to respond to common questions they ask, but also take the opportunity to ask them questions about the company and the role. This will help you appear interested and engaged, rather than reveal your overzealousness to ace the interview.

How to get the most out of an interview

Your goal should be to have a meaningful exchange with the interviewer that gives them a sense of who you are and how you would be a fit for the role.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare:

Avoid memorizing and over-practicing responses. This can make you sound scripted and unnatural. Instead, focus on understanding the question and giving thoughtful, sincere answers.
Plan to avoid over-preparation. Strike a balance between being prepared and over-prepared. If you spend too much time memorizing, you may come across as stiff in the interview.
Focus on being a thoughtful participant in the conversation. Be present in the moment and be ready to talk about your experiences engagingly.

It’s possible to over-prepare for an interview: by doing more than just enough research on the company and the position you’re interviewing for. You know everything—and we mean everything—about the company, from its history and culture to its current goals and challenges. You’re able to recite the company’s mission statement backward and forward, and you’re eager to show off. Over-preparation is not just knowing your stuff inside and out, it’s the highway to being robotic. And with the rise of AI and tech, interviewers would certainly appreciate humans being more human.

Don’t do it alone: Tips for battling loneliness as a parent

You’re not alone.

That’s a message we need to hear more often, especially when it comes to parenting. As if the job wasn’t hard enough, feeling lonely can make parenting feel impossible.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get through this, and we’re here to help. Below are some tips for battling loneliness as a parent. We hope they can help you find your tribe and feel less alone.

Nurture relationships outside of parenting

Reconnect with old friends, or make some new ones.

The more people you have in your life who you can rely on and talk to, the less lonely you will feel.

And don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Make time for the things you enjoy, even if they don’t involve other people.

Spend time in nature, read a book, and take a warm bath. Relaxing and rejuvenating activities like these will help you recharge so you can face the challenges of parenting with fresh energy.

Get involved in online communities

There are communities for parents of all ages, stages, and backgrounds.

You can find groups for parents who are just starting, for parents of kids with special needs, for stay-at-home parents, for working parents, and more.

The great thing about online communities is that you can be as involved as you want to be. You can read posts and stories, or you can jump in and start participating in discussions.

You can also find communities that match your interests—for example, if you love to cook, there are probably online groups for self-made chefs who are also parents. Spending time in these online communities can help you feel connected to other people who understand what you’re going through. And it can also give you ideas and support for dealing with the challenges of parenting.

Talk to family and friends

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Loved ones may be able to offer help and support, and relate to what you’re going through.

Of course, it’s not always easy to reach out and ask for help. You might feel like you’re supposed to be able to do everything on your own, but that’s simply not true. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. So if you’re feeling lonely, pick up the phone or send a text to a friend or family member today.

Find joy in group activities

It may feel daunting to put yourself out there, but know that you are not alone in your feelings of loneliness.

Finding a group to join can be one way to ease these feelings and provide some much-needed companionship. There are groups for just about everything these days, so there is one sure to fit your interests.

Joining a group can also help you find new hobbies. If you want to try something new or get back into an old hobby, joining a group is a wonderful way to get started. Not only will you have others to help support and encourage you, but you will also likely make some new friends along the way.

When you’re parenting on your own, it can be tough to deal with feelings of loneliness. But you’re not alone in this as there are plenty of other parents out there who are feeling the same way. And don’t neglect taking care of yourself. Make sure to exercise, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy diet. This will help to enhance your mood and drive you to feel more optimistic about running the parenting race.

Dealing with the holiday blues: What to do when you’re not in the mood to celebrate

The holidays are a time for celebration, friends, family, and good times.

But what if you’re not in the mood to celebrate? What if the holidays have you feeling down?

If you’re feeling depressed during the holidays, it’s okay. Below, we will outline a few tips on how to deal with the holiday blues. We hope these tips will help you find some relief.

Prioritize self-care

Prioritizing self-care can mean taking a moment to meditate and set an intention for the day.

It can also mean taking time to do activities you find enjoyable and rewarding. Maybe that means going for a walk, writing a journal entry, or watching your favorite movie.

Whatever it is, make sure to schedule time for activities that make you feel good. That way, you can still enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed. And if all else fails, be gentle with yourself and know that it’s perfectly okay to take a break from the buzz.

Know what you can and cannot control

You cannot control what other people say or do, how your family interacts, or how your friends celebrate. What you can control is how you respond to these situations.

If you find yourself getting stressed, take a step back and assess the situation. Respond with kindness instead of anger or frustration. If you can’t change the situation, change your response to it. This will help you maintain your peace of mind and stay positive.

Set boundaries for yourself and others

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It can be hard to say no during the holiday season.

You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, and you certainly don’t want to be perceived as a Grinch. But this is your time too, and you have a right to protect your mental health.

One way to do this is to set boundaries for yourself. Be clear when communicating with others, whether it’s friends, family, or coworkers. Let them know what your limits are, and ask them to respect them.

Feel free to decline an invitation or politely explain that you’re not feeling up to it. Be kind but firm in setting these boundaries. You don’t want to over-commit yourself and end up feeling crushed and stressed.

Take time to feel your emotions

It’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay to feel down and out during the holidays.

Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself time to process them. Don’t try to suppress your emotions, as this will only make them worse in the long run.

Take some time for yourself each day. During this time, you can do something that makes you happy or relaxes you. This can be anything from taking a warm bath, listening to music, or going for coffee.

If you are feeling down, there are still things you can do to make the holiday season enjoyable. You can spend time alone, do things you want, or find ways to make the season meaningful for you. Don’t let the blues keep you from enjoying the holidays on your terms.