3 Focus Areas for a Knockout “New Year, New You”

Happy New Year! Have you made any resolutions yet? Know you need a change but unsure of where to start? Well, you’re not alone! One of the most used phrases this time of year is “New Year, New You.” But what does it really mean? And how exactly are you supposed to achieve this “new you”? Well, we’ve asked a few experts for their tips on how to step up your game this year to truly reveal a new you – and stick to it! Say goodbye to resolutions you’ll give up on after a month, and say hello to actually accomplishing your New Year’s goals!

So let’s get started!

3 Focus Areas for Successful New Year’s Goals

Instead of making broad resolutions, try narrowing down your goals to three focus areas.

1. Health and Wellness

It’s that time of year when gym memberships skyrocket, sales of the latest juice cleanses increase, and people vow to achieve a healthier lifestyle! While all those resolutions may seem healthy, many people neglect the importance of reexamining their beauty routine. Andrea Hecht is dedicated to teaching others about changes within the beauty marketplace, so they can make safer and healthier choices for themselves and their families.

Andrea has these great tips for detoxing your beauty routine.

1. Check out the ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP (EWG) to download the SKIN DEEP Cosmetics Database app. This database allows people to search over 73,000 personal care products on the market to see safety ratings. This app is a MUST HAVE step in your detox routine.
2. Avoid products containing parabens. Parabens are a class of preservatives commonly used in skin care and make-up products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. All products containing water must use a preservative, unless they are to be stored in the refrigerator. Parabens mimic estrogen and may play a role in triggering cancer or other health issues.
3. Avoid products containing phthalates. Phthalates are commonly found in cosmetics products. They can actually disrupt your endocrine system, so steer clear!
4. Avoid products listing “fragrances” in the ingredients. Scents usually contain multiple chemicals, and companies are not required to disclose what is really included.

Let these tips be a wake-up call that what you put ON your body is equally as important as what you put IN your body!

2. Wealth

January is the perfect time to take a good look at our finances, prepare our family budget, and look for ways to really save a few extra dollars in the new year. Jamie Flesher, aka The Money Momma, has more than 15 years’ experience helping families conquer budgets and financially plan for the future. And now she has some great advice and tips for achieving a financially fit new year!

5 Tips for Saving Money this Year

1. Beef up your 401K or other retirement contribution! Basically, you’re making FREE money, whether your employer matches your annual contribution or not.
2. Re-evaluate your current childcare plan. It’s a new year, and sometimes things can change in terms of what makes most financial sense with childcare providers. A childcare facility, a one-on-one caregiver, or a family nanny are all useful at different times and with varying family configurations. Just look at every possibility to make sure you’re getting the best financial deal for your family.
3. Ask for a cash discount on everything. There are many products and services that will discount the quoted price if it’s paid for in cash rather than by a credit card.
4. Don’t always buy new. The best value in automobiles is to buy them 1 year used. But with the popularity of social media sales sites, even smaller purchases can be bought below retail value! Check out all the online sites for new or gently used items at a great deal!
5. Plan meals according to deals. Use this tip at the grocery store AND when deciding where (and when) to eat out. If Mondays are half price taco days at your favorite Mexican restaurant, enjoy an inexpensive night out with the family on a Monday! Pay attention to the deals to decide when to splurge.

As with anything new, it may take a little time to get used to these tips. Start slow. By the end of the year, you’ll be a pro at banking those extra savings!

3. Love Life

Have you kissed your spouse today…in front of your kids?!

According to Sofia Robirosa, licensed marriage and family therapist, you should! Kids learn a lot from our interactions with each other. And really, love is one of the first driving forces we encounter – often, babies cry just to be held and comforted.

This behavior is instinctual. Babies receive so many benefits from skin-to-skin, like a regulated heart rate and a feeling of comfort and safety. Affectionate touching is vital to our lives from Day 1, so why give up on it as we age?

By showing affection to your partner, your children will learn so many important life lessons.

1. Children see firsthand what healthy relationships look like. And as you’ve probably already figured out, children copy your behaviors more often than they follow your directions.
2. Your children will learn that love does not have to be only shown through material things, but through the simplicity of a hug, caressing, or a kiss.
3. They will also see that you value your marriage and your partner in life. This lesson can have a wonderful impact on how your children perceive romantic relationships as they grow up. They learn to manage more than one equal relationship – your relationship with your kids and your spouse are equally, but differently, important.

We all strive to be the best possible parents. And looking out for the health of our marriage is a big part of that goal.

Final Thoughts on Sticking to Your “New You” Goals

With a little determination, you can run with your New Year’s goals and really make your “new you” stick this year. Your health, wealth, and love life are great focus areas for achieving your ultimate goal of a “New You” this year.

Cheers!