New Year's resolutions most often take the form of self-improvement: weight loss, increase exercise, stop smoking or reduce debt. As the statistics show, these resolutions seem to be hard to commit to long term. This may be because nothing else changes, such as workload, organization of family time, or spending habits, so reverting back to the status quo is inevitable.
Perhaps it is time to try a new approach. Rather than look at self-improvement, it may be better to look outward and try to improve the lives of others. This will have the affect of changing one's own life at the same time.
Commit to Volunteer Weekly
Finding an important cause or charity to support, not just by giving money, but taking time out of every day life provides perspective on what is important.
There are countless agencies looking for the gift of time and energy from citizens. Volunteering can even be done from the comfort of home, with many virtual volunteer opportunities available.
- Walk dogs at a local animal shelter (this is a good way to incorporate an exercise goal as well.)
- Coach a children's sports team.
- Do office work for a non-profit society.
- Help with activities at long term care homes.
Volunteering not only has a positive effect on the volunteer, it can also open doors to employment and is an excellent resume builder.
Be a Better Community Citizen on a Daily Basis
Think of ways to make the community safer. Some options may be:
- Drive slower — even that extra 5 or 10 mph — can be the difference between stopping in time and causing damage or worse.
- When out walking, take a bag and a pair of gloves and pick up garbage in a block of the neighbourhood.
- Regularly check in on an elderly neighbour; mow their lawn; clear snow from their sidewalk.
- Start a Block Watch program in the neighbourhood. Contact the local police department for information.
2010 International Year of Biodiversity
The United Nations has declared 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. One of the single best ways to make a difference in the world without too much time and effort is to reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycle everything that can be recycled, think twice before buying items that may never get used, and donate as much unused stuff as possible to charity organizations.
Thoughtful consumption in all realms of life will make a difference in 2010 and beyond.
- Take a shorter shower (5 minutes).
- Turn off the water when brushing teeth.
- Get in the habit of turning off lights when rooms are empty.
- Unplug gadgets when not in use - even leaving the charger plugged into the wall wastes electricity.
To Give is Better Than to Receive
Nobel Peace Prize recipient (1986) and holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel said, 'This is the duty of our generation as we enter the twenty-first century -- solidarity with the weak, the persecuted, the lonely, the sick, and those in despair. It is expressed by the desire to give a noble and humanizing meaning to a community in which all members will define themselves not by their own identity but by that of others.'
Making the world a better place starts at home and in the local community. Trying to lose the last 5 pounds as a New Year's resolution pales in comparison to what can be gained from volunteering time and energy to a cause close to one's heart.
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Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
