1. Make it fun/Break it up!


Make your resolutions fun by choosing some things you love to do and spending more time doing those. Resolutions don’t need to be dreadful!  For the less fun tasks, like organizing your garage, or creating lifestyle changes – make it easier on yourself by breaking it into steps, baby steps. You have a year, right? This helps you visualize and mentally prepare to meet your goal without getting burned out. Think gradual. Read the full article here at Houzz: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6152616/list/11-Easy-Ways-to-Keep-Your-New-Year-s-Resolutions

2. Declutter/Weekly Maintenance


Declutter your home this year – purge some things you don’t use and don’t need anymore for an instant makeover. Stash items like DVDS, remotes and shoes in baskets for neat storage. Keep the mess at bay by doing all dishes daily, no ifs ands or buts! Weekly, clean your entire home; if you have the manpower, divide the chores into 3 parties. Try rearranging living space furniture so that pieces interact with each other (not just the tv) to help engage conversations with guests and family. Want more sound advice? Head over to HGTV to read the play by play: http://www.hgtv.com/organizing/5-new-years-resolutions-for-your-home/index.html

3. Slow Down.


“Slow Down, Calm Down, Don’t Worry, Don’t Hurry, Trust the Process.” – Alexandra Stoddard

This message goes against modern culture – lots of us are hurrying through our lives and to-do lists. Alexandra, from the Inspired Room, recommends slowing down, and “finding peace in the process,” and using these eleven words to guide you this year. We agree – check out her article and poke around for 2014 project inspiration: http://theinspiredroom.net/2014/01/04/11-words-new-years-resolutions-for-your-life-home/

All photos appear as found, and have been unchanged. The Creative Commons License applies. Listed in order of appearance.

From the talented:

  1. Tambako the Jaguar http://www.flickr.com/photos/tambako/4026934515 – http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/
  2. mcarruth http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelcarruth/211542955 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ – http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/
  3. ncracker (Boyan Syarov) http://www.flickr.com/photos/syarov/8279366661 – http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/