But whatever you do, don’t do it as a New Year’s resolution. Resolutions get broken. Like clockwork, every February, resolutions get dumped. This is a real change. This is the kind of modification that should last a lifetime, if you can stick with it.
Start small
In order to make a few small changes, you have to discover why you feel less than great. Make a list of things about yourself that will be easy to change. Start with two things. If you are having trouble coming up with easy to change (yet common) bad habits, try these:
Stand a little taller. Forget the humble slouching! That was the old you, and that person didn’t really turn heads. Stand tall and proud. Push your shoulders back and look ahead. People will notice, and it will be in a positive way.
If you care, they’ll care
Take off the sweat pants and put on jeans. I always say that the least you can do in the morning is put on jeans. Try it if you are looking for a “quick pick-me-up” change to your frumpy, college look. I guarantee jeans and a white shirt will always look better than sweat pants and a white shirt.
Step your game up
If you can handle changing them without too much disruption to your life, go for something a little more challenging. Pick something that you know will take a lot of hard work and time. Maybe losing those ten pounds? Or maybe it could be getting that job you keep talking about to make some extra money so you can stop mooching off of your friends. Admit it, nobody likes a mooch.
A new day
One of the best ways to start fresh and present the best new you is to talk less and listen more. Listen to what your friends are saying. Listen to how they are reacting to what you say. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we want to say that we disregard what our friends and significant others have to say. Whether you have a problem with this or not, it doesn’t hurt to evaluate yourself and see if you can make a change for the better.
Besides, everyone can use a little constructive criticism. You are your own biggest critic, so use it to your advantage.