Make it a "Happy" new year by doing things that are sure to make you happy!!

Posted on December 21, 2019 by Sudhanshu Mishra, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

So one more year is almost over. We are on the threshold of a new year. For me personally, this year was more eventful and enriching than any other year in the recent past. I am taking away a few interesting memories and lessons for the future, and a stronger resolve to make the next year a “happy” new year. Yes, I want to emphasize on the word “happy” more than anything else.
Many of us make new year resolutions at the beginning of every year, only to forget them after a few days in the new year, and revisit them at the beginning of the next year. I have been there, done that too. But with the wisdom of hindsight and experience, I can say that any life-changing decisions or actions can be taken any time one wants to. All you need is a clarity of thought and a determination to act. So, if you want to quit smoking, lose weight, learning a new skill, improve your personality, read more books, or travel to more places, new year is not the only time to do it. Do it whenever the desire is strong enough to implement and follow through.
But the new year eve is a good time to reflect on your experiences and look at the future. If you really want to make a change in the new year, I suggest you focus on staying happy. As human beings, we are all gifted with a happiness muscle, but through years of wear and tear, it becomes dormant and we use if only selectively. Let’s resolve to activate this muscle in the new year and be more happy. It is within our control and all it needs is small changes in our way of thinking. A one percent improvement in your way of thinking everyday will take you a long way during the year. Don’t let any event or person, dampen your inherent state of happiness.
Following are some suggestions I have. Don’t treat them like new year resolutions, but try to include them in your way of life, and thoughts, and watch the magic.
· Smile more. Worry less.
· Count your blessings and be grateful for them.
· Spend some time in solitude — pray, meditate, walk — whatever you like.
· Exercise your body a little bit everyday — yoga, walk, cycle, gym, whatever works for you. Your health is more important than anything else.
· Help others. Help the needy.
· Don’t be shy of asking for help when you need it.
· Read a book, or read some articles, or listen to audiobooks/podcasts if you are not a happy reader.
· Listen to music.
· Travel to new places.
· Connect with old friends (in the real world, not social media).
· Watch less TV.
· Polish your shoes (people notice your shoes before anything else).
· Drink more water (and less of everything else).
· Be nice to older people (including your own parents, relatives and parent’s friends).
· Be nice to children.
· Spend time with children (there’s a lot to learn from them — including being carefree and happy in the present).
· Get enough sleep and rest.
· Give compliments to people you meet. Make them sincere.
· Give compliments to yourself when you look at the mirror.
· Be polite to everyone irrespective of their position in your life.
· Cultivate a hobby outside of your work — learn a new skill, new language.
· Eat more healthy food.
· Eat less junk food.
· Have fun — indulge in activities that give you happiness.
· Speak the truth. All the time.
· Save money.
· Do what is right for your career. Life will never be perfect, but if you work hard, you will have fewer regrets.
There can be many other items on this list and I am happy to receive suggestions.
Wish you a very “happy” new year.