Tag Archives: gratitude

Achieve your New Year’s Resolution with these Eight Steps

New Year’s Resolutions can be so complicated. Right now, we are in the midst of resolution overload. Ads on TV, on the web, on the radio, on your phone, and in the paper all have a resolution theme. How can you assess your wants and needs and set a vision for yourself when there are so many options out there? And, how do you stick with those resolutions throughout the year? Can you really achieve what you want in 2018?

Today, I’m going to show you eight steps that will help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution.

1. First, you need to know how to set a resolution in a way that is sustainable. I’ve already talked about how to set a New Year’s resolution in eight steps. Start there!

2. Choose SMART objectives. You have to start out with the right objectives within your resolution before you can actually be successful. Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-bound. Check out my post on SMART goals to set the right objective for the year.

2. Establish a Compass Routine. Find that one routine that will set you up for the rest of the day/week/month. For me, a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon to establish my schedule, meal plan, and clean for the week is my compass routine. For me, those two hours set the direction for the rest of the week.

3. Maximize your time. Sticking with your goals usually means that you have to get creative with your time. The more you are able to get the most out the time you have, the easier it will be to find time to exercise, plan meals, spend time with family, or be more mindful.

4. Find better balance with work. You have 168 hours in a week – how will you use that time? Take a look at your week and find a little more balance. And, sign up for my mailing list (in the top right corner of this page) to get my better balance calculator!

5. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness (even five minutes!) can help you achieve your goals. When you are present and enjoy the moment, you notice more about yourself and the world around you. Whether you have a resolution to be more mindful itself or whether you are trying to achieve a different resolution, practicing mindfulness will help you either way.

6. Adopt a Healthy Habit. Now is the perfect time to reset your lifestyle and think about healthy habits. But, where do you get started? Check out my post on how to adopt a healthy habit – it shows you five steps to get you going.

7. Journal. It might seem silly, but journalling about your progress, your challenges, or even the food you eat is another way to remind yourself about your resolution. There are so many ways to journal… explore these five different ways to keep a journal.

8. Be more grateful. Regardless of whether you are trying to change your lifestyle, your finances, or you attitude, being more grateful can help you achieve- yes acheieve – your goals. By focusing on the actions, things, and people in your life for which you are thankful, you put yourself in a headspace to reach your goals.

8. Keep your News Year’s Resolution going. Know the who, what, when, where, how and why when it comes to your resolution.

What is your New Year’s Resolution for 2018? Let me know in the comments!

Achieve Your New Year's Resolution with Eight Steps

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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How to practice gratitude in five steps

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, ‘tis the season for feeling grateful. When the days feel shorter, and the holiday craze hasn’t quite set in (yet), you may feel as though you have a bit more time for reflection. This is a great time to practice gratitude. Continue reading How to practice gratitude in five steps

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

How to journal: 5 different ways to keep a journal

Let’s start with this basics: there is not one way to keep a journal! Hopefully, that’s good news to folks who have read about why you should keep a journal. In this post, we are going to talk about how to journal. I will present five different ways to do it. Let’s get started! Continue reading How to journal: 5 different ways to keep a journal

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

a quote about summer

I found a lovely quote about summer, and wanted to share it with you this week. Continue reading a quote about summer

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

Seven Life Lessons Learned in Hawaii

This holiday, my spouse and I travelled to Big Island, Hawaii. It was the trip of a lifetime: spectacular views, incredible people, and up-close-and-personal wildlife. The best parts of the trip also taught me some great lessons in purposeful growth.

Here are the seven life lessons I learned in Hawaii.

Continue reading Seven Life Lessons Learned in Hawaii

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

3 easy ways to bring more joy to your day

Every once in a while, we need just a little pick-me-up. Here are three easy ways to bring more joy to your day. All three can be done without much effort, and completed quickly. And, when these strategies are practiced in the long-term, they can reap huge benefits.

Continue reading 3 easy ways to bring more joy to your day

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

Can’t sleep? 12 tips on how to get to sleep

Feeling tired but not being able to go to sleep can be a frustrating, vicious cycle. Here are a dozen tips to help you when you can’t sleep.

Continue reading Can’t sleep? 12 tips on how to get to sleep

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

Making plans for Valentine’s Day? Here are eight lovely things to do

Need to make plans for Valentine’s Day? Show the love (for yourself and others) with these eight lovely things to do for Valentine’s Day.

1. Get your heart pumping.
February is full of cold days and nights. Buck the urge to cozy up (just for a little while) and take a refreshing walk outside.

2. Spend quality time with loved ones.
Instead of watching a movie (less screen time = more creativity time!), try a silly board game or go bowling.

3. Treat yourself.
Relaxation can be the key to future productivity. Dip into a warm bath, take a yoga class (you can find them for free on this 20-minute yoga podcast), or treat yourself to a de-stressing massage!

4. Reflect.
Appreciate and acknowledge the present moment. Start a gratitude jar or journal. Even better, write a thank you note!

5. Cook something lovely that takes a little extra time.
Cooking can be a relaxing. Sometimes, however, it can be a lengthy process. Take a day to enjoy cooking something that takes a long time. And, if you make too much, you can always freeze the leftovers!

6. Discover something new.
Discover something new in your neighborhood. Take a look in the local paper, or do a search online. Is there a new restaurant nearby? What about a gallery or exhibit? Or, simply a new workshop at the local community college?

7. Find an art project.
Julia Cameron, in her book The Artist’s Way, recommends bringing art into your life frequently. Define art loosely—perhaps you would like to make a scrapbook of summer adventures, or refurbish worn furniture. Or, paint a picture. You choose.

8. Volunteer in your community.
Helping others boosts your own happiness, longevity, and effectiveness. Check out resources to match your interests with the needs of others.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let us what you plan to do in the comments!

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
Manners matter here! Not sure whether your comment is irrelevant, impolite, or disrespectful? Read my commenting rules Commenting Rules

The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

Ten reasons to practice gratitude

About a year ago, I started reading about why we should practice gratitude. So, I started a gratitude vase in my bedroom. I set out colorful markers, a stack of small papers, and an empty glass vase on a shelf. Each night, I spent 5 minutes (well, it was more like 3 minutes at first) writing down three things for which I was grateful. Soon, the vase was full of colorful slips of paper, and I had to add an extra vase to hold all the gratitude.
Continue reading Ten reasons to practice gratitude

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
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The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!

27 Ideas for Your Stay-At-Home Holiday Weekend

Sticking around for labor day? According to the American Express Spend and Save Tracker, 53% of us plan to get away during 2015’s summer holiday weekends, which means that about 47% of us plan to stay at home.

Staying home doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the time off. In fact, it’s a wonderful opportunity to rest, reflect, and boost your creativity. Continue reading 27 Ideas for Your Stay-At-Home Holiday Weekend

© 2017 Caitlin W Howe, LLC
Manners matter here! Not sure whether your comment is irrelevant, impolite, or disrespectful? Read my commenting rules Commenting Rules

The postings on this site are my own (unless otherwise stated) and don't necessarily represent any other organization's positions, strategies or opinions. Thanks!