Happy New Year!: 10 Things For Us To Do More Of in 2013

Well, it’s official. 2013 is now upon us, and it’s time to leave the old baggage behind and move forward towards a brand new day. I am not one for setting resolutions at the beginning of the new year, but there is something to be said about utilizing the new calendar and using it to propel you to make some much needed changes. I, for one, have a lot of goals and things that I want to do this year, but I don’t want the weight of calling it a”resolution” per se.

Last year for me held a lot of ups and downs. I lost my dad at the age of 58, something that I am still healing from. But I also saw immense and positive growth and I want to continue that during 2013. Yes, I would like to lose more weight, eat more healthy, save more money, tackle more things on my bucket list, but I also want them to be realistic and achievable goals.

I would like you to join me in making 2013 the best year yet.

Here are 10 Things For Us To Do More Of in 2013:

1. Read More

I used to read a lot of books, but because of my schedule, I don’t read as much anymore. A goal of mine is to read more books this year. Will you join me? One way we can do this is by joining a Reading Club, either online or through a local library.

2. Write More

I want to get back to writing more notes and letters like I used to. With instant technology, I think we all fall victim into being less personal. Nothing shows that you care more than a handwritten note or letter. I challenge you to write at least two notes or letters each month in 2013. If you are on Twitter, please follow the #WriteMore hashtag and share what you have been doing to be more personal with sending cards and letters the traditional way. Having fabulous stationery can make it easier and more fun for you to correspond. Check out She’s Got Papers for “edgy, fun, classy stationery with a personality all it’s own”.

3. Relax More

We spend most of our day doing, going, running, etc. Relaxing and just being still and enjoying life should also be a goal. My goal is to take at least 15 minutes per day for myself to be quiet, be still, and live in the moment, without the hustle and bustle. I have a great Foot Spa that I plan to use once a week when I have some time to relax so I can enjoy and pamper myself.

4. Volunteer More

Giving service and helping others is an important thing. I want to do more in my community and for the world by volunteering more and lending a hand on a more consistent basis. The next National Day of Service is on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, 2013. To find out more about how you can help in your community, click HERE.

5. Listen More

This is a really big area for me. I do a lot of talking, sometimes, more than I should. A great communicator understands that in order to understand and be able to communicate well, one must listen. I struggle big time at this, so I am going to work tenfold in this area. Listen, then repeat as to make sure you understand, then listen some more. Is anyone else out there wanting to be a better listener?

6. Mom More

I think I am a pretty good mom but there is more that I could be doing. I want to make sure I am spending alone time separately with each of my children to make sure they know how important they are to me. I want us to travel more together as well, which is a bonding activity of its own.

7. Laugh More

Some say laughter is the best medicine. I didn’t laugh enough last year, so in 2013, I am going to make sure I laugh more, and surround myself with those that make me smile. I want to make sure to take in a few comedy shows along the way—I haven’t done that in ages.

8. Healthy More

On my father’s side, many of them have passed away at a young age because they aren’t as healthy as they should be. We eat the wrong foods, gain more weight than we should, and don’t heed the warning signs. I want to live a more healthier lifestyle, cook more meals at home, and instill healthy values to my kids and family. And I can’t use the “I am traveling so I can’t work out” excuse anymore. Gaiam TV offers streaming of yoga instruction as well as fitness and wellness videos on demand, so I can stay fit no matter where I am.

9. Save More

I want to save more money. That’s always been an issue with me. With all of the tools out there to utilize, you’d think I would do better at it. 2013 will be the year that I save more than I plan to. You can learn more about saving money and being smarter financially by visiting TheJennyPincher.com.

10. Help More

Being of service to other colleagues is something that you can’t take for granted. There have been many other bloggers and social media peeps who have helped me, and I have done my best to pay it forward. But I can also do better. I want to help more people who want to grow their blogs, influence, and social media spaces. Mentoring others means a lot to me.

What are your “do more” goals for 2013? Will you be joining me?