Five Things to Focus on in 2014

Since the beginning of time, the new year has caused millions to utter the words "New year, new me." While I am guilty of exclaiming the same idea in my youth, life has taught me that a new date and year do not create an instant change or a "new me." Rather, change is gradual and is caused by time, personal experiences, and self discipline. Time produces experiences and, as the old saying goes, "experience is the best teacher." So, I encourage you to focus less on the new you that suddenly appeared when the clock struck midnight on January 1 and focus on becoming a better you over the next 365 days. Here are five ideas to get you started:

• Your Sanity: Have "me" time. I'm all too familiar with the routine of working eight hours a day, coming home and having dinner, squeezing in time to catch up with friends and devoting a few additional hours to building my business. And did I mention finding time to get at least six hours of sleep? What I failed to mention, however, was taking time for myself. It's very easy to become caught up in work, social media, and reaching personal goals but don't forget to maintain your sanity by taking a few minutes or hours each week to relax. Consider taking a bubble bath or spreading out on the couch to watch your favorite movie. Have an interest that you don't quite have time to turn into a hobby? Indulge in it during your "me" time! Whatever you choose, be sure it deviates from the norm of your daily routine and make sure it's something you'll look forward to doing each week.

• Your Health: Create fitness and nutrition goals. Everyone becomes motivated to lose weight, tone up, or eat healthier at the start of the new year but not everyone sticks to it. Although it's easier said than done, maintaining a healthy weight and diet is essential not only to your health but also to your energy, skin, and immune system. To help you stay physically motivated in 2014, consider getting a workout buddy to join you at the gym so on days when you're not feeling the treadmill, someone will be there to hold you accountable for staying focused. Another idea to consider is downloading a fitness app on your smartphone or tablet, such as Nike+ Running, to help you keep track of your progress. Finally, maintain a weekly list of goals to help you take small but significant steps towards your ultimate fitness objectives.

• Your Wallet: Budget. Ever anticipate Friday's pay day arrival then go to happy hour or dinner, do some modest shopping, pay a few bills, and catch a good movie then wake up Monday right back where you started before pay day? I have! After getting my own place, I learned just how quickly money disappears and completely understood my parents' favorite saying, "Money doesn't grow on trees." And, sadly, it really doesn't. In 2014, make a habit of writing out a monthly or bi-weekly budget to manage your savings, bills, and miscellaneous purchases. While I have friends that use online programs like Mint, I prefer to play it safe and write my budget out with a pen and paper each month. You can also ask your employer to deduct a certain percentage from each check and automatically deposit it into your savings account. Having a savings is crucial so find a way to save a fixed amount of funds regularly.

• Your Network: Build your rolodex. Whether you're looking for a job or trying to advance professionally, networking is important and beneficial. Become a member of an industry specific organization to get you started. Consider local and also national organizations to help you build your network around the country so if your dream job becomes available in another state, you'll have a contact in that area and possibly a place to lay your head when you're called for an interview. Additionally, more job seekers are being hired through their personal networks than through blind resume submissions. According to a survey of over 50,000 clients from Right Management, 41% a landed job in 2010 through networking. With slim pickings for job seekers in 2014, a strong network is valuable personally and professionally.

• Your Community: Get involved. Giving back to my community is a rejuvenating experience that reminds me to maintain humility and gratitude for everything I have. There are numerous organizations that work with children, combat poverty, raise money to find cures for fatal diseases, and build homes for families. In 2014, become an active member of your community by signing up for weekly or monthly volunteer opportunities with your favorite non-profit. If you don't want to volunteer alone, encourage family, friends, and colleagues to join you. You can also talk to your employer about establishing company-wide support for a cause or organization. Find what fits your schedule and be consistent. Non-profits love additional help.

Do you have ideas to add to this list? Leave a comment below!

Happy New Year! 

Written by: Jenna Boyer
Twitter: @_JennaDanielle_