New Year, New You

It may be almost February, but you don’t have to let those resolutions slip away. If anything, with the holidays officially over, there’s more time to focus on you.

From skincare to health and personal growth, there’s no better time than now to start manifesting the good vibes for the year ahead. Brush off your planner or download an organizational app—we’re about to lay the blueprint for you to have a year full of growth in some key areas of your well-being.

Let’s Face It

Many people’s New Year’s resolutions include a skincare related goal to some capacity. Why? No better excuse than this time of year to revamp an area of your life that often goes overlooked. For some people, that’s their skin. Whether this is investing in a serum you’ve had your eye on, an under-eye cream to aid dark circles, or a high-end cleanser just because, ‘tis the season to reevaluate your skincare routine, and switch out the old for the new.

Identifying a problem area is the first step in deciding how you want to revamp your skincare routine. If the problem is dry skin, one of the best things you can do is drink more water. According to the IOM, the recommended amount you should be drinking is nine glasses of water per day, but it will vary depending on what you’re eating and your level of activity throughout the day. Long story short: the more water you drink, the better your skin and overall health will be. Another component of replenishing your skin during the dry, cold months of winter is adding a serum to your routine. Keep in mind that splurging on something like a hyaluronic acid serum is an investment—one that will last and will restore life back into your complexion. Follow up the serum with a moisturizer, both day and night, to optimize the health of your skin.

While dry skin is a common problem across the board, there are certainly those who don’t suffer from this type of skin problem. Some people, even in the dead of winter, still find that their skin is more oily, or they may be breaking out, or they may struggle with other skin-related problems. To truly see what (if any) products are for you, consult with your dermatologist to determine the best course of action. One thing’s for sure, good skin starts from within. Eating natural foods and drinking plenty of water will do wonders for your skin. Other tips to bear in mind would be cleansing your skin right after a workout, and not using harsh exfoliators every day.

Climbing the Ladder

Next up, it’s time to talk career growth. Really, any time of year is a good time to reevaluate where you see yourself in your current job—and, if you don’t like where you are—how to change that. But there’s something about a new year that gives you that extra kick of motivation—after all, searching for a new job is no small feat.

One of the best things you can do for yourself in this area is having confidence. So many people sell themselves short where their job is concerned, whether it’s in their current position or while looking for a new one. Don’t do this! Know that you’re in complete control of your future, and if you don’t like something about where you stand, you can change that. It’s about (as cheesy as this sounds) believing in your ability to make the necessary changes to be where you want to be. For many people, this could be in the financial department of their job, like asking for a raise. If you think it’s time to move up a pay grade, or it’s time for a small bonus, then identify the various projects and tasks you’ve completed since your last raise, as well as the initiatives you’ve taken within your role, and set up a meeting with your manager to discuss how those will be reflected in your paycheck.

If you’re on the hunt for a new position, don’t let the stress get to you. It’s about taking small steps to achieve where you want to be. Networking is definitely one of those things that is easier said than done. All you hear people talk about in terms of career advice is network, network, network. But the proof is in the pudding—if you want your dream job this year, it really is about who you know. And you don’t have to be the most extraverted person in the room to connect with professionals! Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn. Maybe someone from your alma mater works at the company your vying to get into, or perhaps you come across an old friend who started their own start-up. Whatever the case is, send these people in your network a message; you never know where it’ll lead.

Take It Personally

Personal growth is somewhat of a trend in recent years. People are constantly talking about bettering themselves via podcasts, television, the radio, and in books. It can be easy to roll your eyes at the cliché quotes and anecdotes thrown your way, but don’t be so quick to dismiss the notion of personal development—it can be a powerful thing when you put in the effort.

Taking some time out of each day to reflect is something many of the world’s most successful people swear by, particularly if it’s embedded into your morning routine. I was listening to a podcast episode recently—Ed Mylett’s interview on The Skinny Confidential, to be specific—and he mentioned something that stuck with me: if the first thing you do when you wake up is check social media, you’re starting your day by reacting to other people. You don’t start the day thinking about how you can make it the best day possible or be the best person you can be, your mind is on other people’s lives. Instead, consider journaling, reading a book, listening to your favorite podcast, going to the gym, and actively taking steps to build more structure into your morning. Nighttime routines are important as well, and can help you have a more restful night’s sleep.

Investing in yourself is important—this could be anything from buying better products for your skin, signing up for a gym membership, taking steps to build your brand, trying out a new hobby, or whatever self-care means to you. Take time each week to check in with yourself. What steps are you taking to grow this year? What are you really good at, and how are you

pursuing these passions? Who do you spend the most time with? Are they adding value to your life or are they adding stress? Are you spending too much money? If so, what area can you cut back on so you can save more? These are just a few questions to get you thinking about some key areas in your life. This year, and every year, make it a priority to improve your well-being.

This article was prepared by ReminderMedia.

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