What would it feel like to be a happier person this next year? It’s easy to look back at 2019 and think, “Dang… It was a rough year…” or you might be pulling your hair, saying, “I had WAY too much going on this year!” Either way, the end of the year brings a lot of self-reflection.
You can’t change the things that happened in 2019, but you can look forward to 2020, a year to start fresh. It’s new beginnings, one of my favorite things. There’s no limit to the amount of happiness you can have in this life, so why not make 2020 your happiest year?
The following tips are ways I’ve used to be a happier person and by applying some (or all) of these ideas, expect to be a more joyful/happier person in 2020!
1.Be grateful
Never underestimate the power of gratitude. Instead of looking at the things you lack, look at the things you have. Make more efforts to express gratitude, whether you have a goal of expressing thanks to someone daily, keeping a gratitude journal, or making weekly gratitude lists.
2. Set goals + work towards them
New Years Resolutions are the best way to become a happier person. When you truly work towards something that brings you life, your motivation increases and you actually look forward to each day.
3. Dream big
When you set your goals for the new year, dream big. There’s nothing wrong with the childlike wonder of dreaming big and taking action steps to do what you always wanted to do! If you don’t dream big, what do you have to look forward to? So if you always wanted to take a vacation to Hawaii or see the Eiffel tower, dream big and make it a goal! Make plans to get yourself there and as you work diligently towards your dreams, you will enjoy the journey!
4. Change up little things (like morning/evening routines)
If you’ve felt like you’ve been stuck in a rut this past year, change up little things, like your morning and evening routine. Or if you’re not very organized, change things up and get a planner for the new year. If you don’t have routines or systems, 2020 is a great time to start! Daily, consistent, little changes will add up over time and make big changes in your life.
5. Be consistent with a morning/evening routine
Following up with the last tip… be consistent. If you haven’t developed a morning/evening routine, 2020 is your time to shine. You don’t have to get up at 5:30 right away, but work your way up to the time you want to wake up. Keeping these small commitments to yourself helps you build trust with yourself and increases productivity, confidence, and creativity.
6. Celebrate small victories
Let me just say you’re already doing great! The fact that you are even reading this shows that you’re working on improving yourself and seeking more joy in your life. Celebrate the small victories: getting up on time, working out, smiling at someone, making yourself pretty for the day, etc…
7. Stay healthy + make it fun
If you weren’t able to reach your health goals this year, you have a chance at it next year. 🙂 I’ve found that in order to stay healthy, you gotta make it fun. I’m a runner so I enjoy blasting my music and going for a run—it makes me feel really good. But I know so many women who love Zumba or High Fit. So find the workout that makes you sweat but is also fun!
8. Drink more water
This is self-explanatory, but do your body + skin + health a favor by drinking enough water. If you need to, put it on your daily to-do list so you don’t forget.
9. Try something new (hobby)
Is there something you always wanted to do? Like learn a language or pick up a new skill? When you dream big and set your goals, don’t forget to add in these little things to try. Doing new things will help you enjoy life more!
10. Plan a fun vacation
Always wanted to travel? Plan something fun for the year! Work it with your budget and then go for it—there is no better time to travel than now! The world is waiting for you!
11. Become a budget master
With all of your big dreams and traveling, you might need some $$$ to get around! There are so many awesome apps, books, and blogs to help you get started with budgeting. The more control you have over your money, the better you’ll feel this year!
12. Journal more
You don’t have to write in your journal for the big moments only… you can write little things each day. How did you feel? What did you learn? Who did you meet? What are you grateful for? Writing our thoughts + experiences improves our memory and helps us feel more gratitude in our daily lives.
13. Go on more dates
Whether you’re married or single, you can be a happier person in 2020 by going on more dates! Get together with a bunch of friends and do something fun, or plan a romantic dinner with your loved one. Going on dates helps rekindle friendships and love. It also keeps things interesting!
14. Read inspirational books (maybe one a month?)
Let this be your year of growth and learning by reading more books, especially inspirational ones. Self help books and memoirs can enhance your perspective and help you enjoy life. I set a goal to read at least one book a month but set a goal according to your needs and lifestyle. Some of my favorite books to get started with are “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Managing with Aloha.”
15. Unfollow negativity (people, politics, etc)
Detox your social media accounts by unfollowing anything that lowers your vibe: sarcasm, porn, bullying, etc. If it’s not giving you light, it’s not worth following.
16. Be more spiritual + connect more with God
Let 2020 be your year to connect more with God. Setting goals to do daily prayer and scripture study can open your heart to greater love, understanding, and wisdom.
17. Be positive + optimistic
The next time you’re driving or talking to someone, listen to your thoughts and words. Are they negative—towards yourself or others? Are you belittling yourself or complaining? Make a conscious effort to retrain your words and mind. You’ll be surprised at the results.
18. Avoid sarcasm + gossiping
Similar to the previous tip, just be positive. Sarcasm and gossiping or two of the lowest kinds of energy—in fact, it sucks away the good energy instead of contributes. Sarcasm comes from the Greek word “sarkazein,” which means to “tear flesh.” Even if you’re just “being sarcastic,” there is still truth to your words. Someone could truly hurt from the words you say, so make an effort to avoid sarcasm and gossiping. You will be a much happier person if you do this.
19. Reorganize your space every couple of months
Sometimes we get stuck in the same routine, so do yourself a favor and change up your space every couple of months. It’s especially fun to do this in the beginning of the year, but don’t forget to do it throughout. Change up your bed comforter and pillow sheets to a different color, reorganize your office desk, or change up the decoration in the living room. Whatever you decide to do, intentionally reorganize to help keep you charged and unstuck.
20. Stop comparing
How many of us compared our lives with others this last year? I’m totally guilty of this so give yourself grace and make a decision not to compare yourself with others in the new year. Listen to your thoughts as you scroll through your social media and be very conscious with them. If you find yourself comparing, you can consciously be happy for others, take a break from following, or take a break from social media in general.
21. Get unstuck
If you’ve felt stuck in 2019, you’re not alone. Making decisions, getting through the daily routines, or just dealing with things in life can be very difficult. Start the year off right by getting unstuck.
22. Create paradise wherever you are
Know that you can be happy right where you are—even if you’re not in your dream location, your dream job, or have attained your dream lifestyle. There’s wisdom in enjoying the journey, not just enduring. If you’re not sure how to create paradise where you are, I’ve written a mini ebook about how to do just that! And it’s FREE. 😉
23. Come from a place of love
We, as women, are too hard on ourselves. For every mistake, every accident, every slip-up, we criticize and belittle ourselves. This year, make a conscious decision to come from a place of love. Have grace and patience with yourself. You are doing better than you think. Check out this article to learn more about coming from a place of love/aloha:
How to Come from a Place of Love
24. Be more creative
Always wanted to paint a masterpiece or write a book? Have you wanted to get into singing or started a business? When you allow yourself to be creative, you develop perspective and a new zest for life. Allow yourself to be creative and you’ll find you are a much happier person.
25. Get outside more (hiking, picnics, snow, etc)
Plan outdoor activities for the year. You can even make a bucket list of hikes or outdoor places you’d like to visit. The nice thing is that you don’t have to go very far to be outside… you can literally walk outside your door. Anything that gets you into the fresh air counts!
26. Turn off unnecessary notifications
If your phone has taken over your life, take a few minutes to go into the settings and turn off the notifications for certain apps. Prioritize your time, meaning that you DON’T have to reply to or check an email or text the second it arrives. Set aside time to do these tasks.
27. Change up your playlists
Start the new year with a fresh, new playlist of songs. Allow yourself to get pumped and excited for all the amazing things you want to do this year, but don’t forget to switch it up often so that you don’t get stuck!
28. Volunteer more
Christ said that we find ourselves when we lose ourselves in service. If you want to be happier in 2020, one of the greatest way to do this is to serve others. Doing something good for someone else will boost your self-esteem, increase your capacity to love, and just help you feel good all around.
29. Take better care of yourself
If you’ve never had a self care planner, now is a great time to invest in one. Tracking your mood, crossing off simple checklists, and even tracking your period is all made easier with a self care planner! You can even try changing things up with 30-day self care challenges.
30. Do something you always wanted to do!
Going back to dreaming big, let this be the year where you do something you always wanted to do! Being a happier person is doing those things that help us fulfill our purpose on this earth. When you finally start doing those things, your life suddenly takes on more meaning, and you feel peace and satisfaction from God and within yourself.
Conclusion
So there you have it! As you apply these tips, know that 2020 is full of promise, excitement, and love for you. I am so looking forward to hearing about all of the amazing things you have planned ahead. In the comments below, let us know some of your 2020 goals and the tips you’d like to try to be a happier person!
Sending lots of aloha + good vibes for a successful new year,
Lei
