CREDIT: EVIDENCEMAG.COM
Moving forward in the new year might take some hard work, but it will pay off.

Around New Year's, one of the common questions you might hear is, “Have you made any resolutions?” People view the end of the year as an opportunity to potentially shed a year's worth of mistakes and to look forward to a fresh start.

It's good and healthy to let go of the past, but why do our resolutions tend to go unfulfilled, and why is it so common for them to fall short of their mark? Whether it's a case where people have incomplete goals or targets are completely forgotten, after a certain time the shiny appeal and enthusiasm towards the New Year is unwrapped and the initial rush and glamour of a resolution loses its appeal. Instead, the resolutions slowly become a hassle, already old and obsolete in the mind.

It might be more beneficial to take a slightly different approach and readjust your mindset when making resolutions. Instead of thinking short-term, which can definitely work and show results, attempt to make long-term resolutions that encompass something that will affect various aspects of your life. Making the decision to have a lifestyle resolution will introduce a change that you continue to live, positively affecting your life.

Everyone is capable of having successful change in whatever manner he or she wants to be. Approach your new year by modifying your lifestyle with these outlooks that will stick and increase the quality of your life.

Live In The Moment
In the fast pace of our lives, we tend to get accustomed to looking forward and planning our future. It also happens that we look back and linger in the past on good and bad memories. Don't forget to live in the moment and enjoy what life has to offer. It's important to plan ahead and learn from the past, but the present is equally as important to value.

Concentrate On You
Don't worry yourself with the business of others; in our society there is too much time spent on judging and gossiping. There is a strange fascination with the fortunes and misfortunes of others. Don't take part in this and focus on improving yourself; you will find yourself happier and able to concentrate on your own goals.

It's also easy to be the toughest on yourself as your own worst critic, learn to let things go and show yourself some love.

Don't Try To Please Everyone
It's important to meet expectations — especially in professional situations — but do not mistake this for a requirement for you to bend over backwards to please everyone. It's impossible to make everyone happy, just as it's impossible for everyone to get along in perfect harmony. Just do your best in the given situation and remain respectful. Don't dwell on little things that people do not agree with — it will wring you dry. Listen to constructive criticism without taking it personally.

It can be quite hard to maintain focus on the resolutions we make, especially as time moves and we are faced with the challenges of everyday life. It's okay to have to remind yourself of your targets. The emphasis should not be placed on disregarding the past year because the new year is not the only chance to start anew.

Each day is an opportunity to pick yourself up and move forward — learn from the past, but live in the present!