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Has anyone else wondered where New Year's resolutions first started? Why are they a thing and do they actually work? I explore this topic a bit today.




The History- It's Extensive


Oddly enough the ancient Babylonians are thought to have started this tradition over 4,000 years ago. Although their "New Year's" was in March when the crops where planted, they would hold recorded celebrations. "Akitu" was the name of the massive festival they would have and during it they would crown a new king or re-establish their loyalty for the reigning one. Another large part of this festival was making promises to their gods to pay their debts, returning any objects borrowed, or promising to make up these debts. If the Babylonians kept to their word, their (pagan) gods would give them favor for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favor—and that's not a place you wanted to be. These events can be considered the foreground of what we now call New Year's Resolutions.


Soon, in Ancient Rome, the reform-minded emperor Julius Caesar had an idea of his own. Switching the calendar to establish January 1st as the beginning of the new year, circa 46 B.C. The month was named Janus after the two-faced god whose spirit inhabited doorways and arches. This means that January held great significance for the Romans because they believed that Janus symbolically looked back upon the previous year and ahead into the future. This is when Romans would offer sacrifices to the deity and make promises of good behavior for the approaching year.


The first day of the new year became the traditional occasion for thinking about one's past mistakes and resolving to do and be better in the upcoming year for Christians early on. English clergyman John Wesley, founder of Methodism, created the Covenant Renewal Service in 1740, which is commonly held on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. These types of services are still popular within the evangelical Protestant churches today but this tradition has found its way into households everywhere.


Sources:


Does It Even Has Benefits? - Kinda.


Okay, so we've established that the reason resolutions ever became a thing was to appease some sort of God that those people believed in. So why is it still a thing, especially for people who aren't religious? And does it actually have benefits?


Although I don't have an answer for why it's still a thing. I do have an answer about its benefits- and maybe it will help us answer my other question too.


The first benefit of setting a resolution- being able to reflect on the past year. By thinking about what you want for yourself in the the future, you're forcing yourself to look back and think about what there is to improve.


The second benefit is a four-parter. New Year's Resolutions can motivate us- or can keep us motivated. They help us take action and take back control of our life- even if we aren't really. Acknowledging that we are the one's in charge of our lives and that we have the power to change it is a great fuel for our own success. When we experience this sense of achievement we want to keep going and hit the next mark. Shortly said, they help our self-esteem.


The Consensus


So how do you set up a realistic one? Try to align your resolution with a goal you have and create a plan based off that. Set deadline's to hit each of those achievements. But what can help you keep it? Sprinkle reminders in your phone, planner, work calendar, wherever you will see it most. Track that progress and hold yourself accountable. Also- don't forget to reward yourself when you do hit those small goals!

To be clear, I'm not saying that resolutions work for everyone. In fact, research shows that only 46% of people keep resolutions for at least six months, and out of that only 8% keep them for the entire year. Although that's a small percentage, people who choose to make a New Year’s resolution are 10 times as likely to keep them over those who pursue improvement in another way. Plus writing down to manifest things actually works, check out this article here to learn more on that- super interesting stuff.

 

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The sun sets at 5 now a days, the winter is slowly settling in, and Covid is still a thing. So what the hell is there to do besides binge watch Netflix and order an obscene amount of take-out? Well, I've got a few ideas to share. Check out these fun activities that are both winter-friendly and covid-friendly!



1. Be Inspired by Light Displays


Take a ride through Morton Arboretum and watch their lights dazzle and shine from the comfort of your warm car with some loved one. Tickets average from $29-49 per vehicle and you can make a reservation in advance to save a spot for yourself in line!


Looking for a more immersive experience? Jump out of that car and walk around ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Tickets are $5 a person and they have pretty flexible hours in comparison to Morton Arboretum. Just be sure to pre-order your tickets since capacity will be limited! And of course- don't forget to bring your mask (it'll keep you warmer anyway!)


Stuck in the suburbs? Why not check out the 8th Annual Naper Lights in Naperville, Illinois? It's located along the riverwalk and is conducive to social distancing. You can even go off course and still enjoy the scenery from a far to avoid any potential crowds.


2. Attempt To Ice-Skating


There's sure to be a major influx of people wanting to try out skating this year. Obviously Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are the classic spots to hit the rink but there's still plenty of options for those trying to avoid long waits or crowds.


Whether your an old-time pro and a beginner, skating is a great way to kill time, get a low-key workout, and snag some cute Holiday photos while spending time with your friends or family and avoiding Covid.


Trying to social distance even more and not afraid to take a risk? Find a local pond and check out the Forest Preserves regulations for skating. PLEASE DON'T GO ON THE ICE IF YOU AREN'T SURE IT'S FROZEN- I really don't want to be responsible for someone freezing to death because they read this blog and thought this was a good idea. I only ever said it was an idea.


3. Grab a Cocktail On a Year-Round Patio


There's a few places in and around Chicago that still offer dine-in since they have the advantage of a year round or heated Patio. Some of these places even offer Winter games in place of Summer one's once the seasons begin to change.


The Gwen Hotel is one option, offering a ice-less curling rink on the fifth floor patio lounge. Here you can reserve a 45 minute game with friends while enjoying some Holiday cocktails. Another great option is Kaiser Tiger. They also offer a heated patio- socially distanced of course- with the opportunity to reserve a curling game. They also have live music on Wednesday's and Thursday, even in the winter. So, if you're missing concerts, Kaiser Tiger might be a good option for you!


4. Stay Home and Get in the Holiday Spirit


Why not host a virtual Holiday Happy hour? Have all the attendee's buy some cookies or gingerbread men and spend some time competing with friend's over who's is best decorated? Stuck with the family? Have a gingerbread house competition or check out tiktok for more entertaining at-home games you can play with the siblings.


Not into the zoom calls? Invite a small group of friends over that you know have been following precautions and throw a cozy movie night. If you're still worried about covid try converting your garage into a movie space by setting up a monitor and sheet for the screen and open the door to allow some air flow. Set up some comfy chairs 6 feet apart, make some individual bags of popcorn and have everyone bring their fuzziest blankets to stay warm in the drafty space.


5. Rent Out a Space or Movie Theatre


Even with covid happening, peerspace.com still lets you choose from tons of different locations and types of spaces that are all following covid-guidelines. This could be the perfect way to safely throw a fun gathering while being able to escape your usual surroundings for a bit.


Want to host your own private movie? Rent out a theatre with AMC. Starting at $99, this could be the perfect way to throw a socially distanced event, such as a birthday, office parties- or you could just a rent a whole one to yourself and sit alone (I don't judge).

 

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Updated: Jan 11, 2021

The day only has so many hours, and if you want to get some decent sleep it's key that you've got your time management skills in check. Check out my list of tips and tricks that can help you manage your daily tasks better. So you can start doing what you want, quicker!


1. Set Dealines and Make a List


Simple enough, right? Make a list of all your tasks in order of when each task is due. From there you can arrange then in your schedule, days prior to their due date, making the task less daunting and more approachable.


Side tip: Once you've arranged them in order of deadline, circle the tasks your least excited for. After completing one, reward yourself with a break or a fun task you've been looking forward to.


2. Protect Your In The Zone Time

Anyone who's taken adderall when theyre not suppose to knows what this means. Not that I would, but I'd assume it would go something like this: You're zeroed in on an essay, a video edit, cleaning your room- some type of task- and all of a sudden your phone rings with a text. What should you do? If you're really in the zone and your brain is completely locked into the task you're doing, don't let anything stop you.


THIS IS HUGE. I can't count the number of times I was in the zone, and got interrupted, only to come back to that task and get stumped on it again.


If a co-worker asks you to jump on a quick call, be honest and tell them you're really in the zone with something and that you'll call them back when you've finished. They'll understand, trust me.


Set an approximate timer with a reminder note for when you expect the task to be done and get back to them then. (Note: This shouldn't apply to things that take over 20 minutes and if they do, just don't forget to get back to the people you've put off during this time!)


3. Don't Attempt Multi-tasking


Notice how you're computer starts to lag when you have all those tabs open? Yeah, well, this is basically what happens to our brains when we try to multi-task. Some tips on how to do that?

- Schedule tasks out in a timely fashion on your calendar

-Don't be looking at more than one device (I see you subconsciously checking instagram)

-Keep your work areas clean and organized. It's true what they say, an organized space leads to an organized mind.

-Set restrictions and schedules for when you can get distracted or go on your phone for things other than work.

-Be aware of your habits, and steer yourself back in one direction when you catch yourself thinking about way too many things at once.


4. Keep Meetings and Conversations On Track

It's easy to get distracted and tied up in a conversation. Especially now a days on Zoom Meetings. It's so easy for a 15 de-brief meeting to turn into a 45 minute meeting about a new movie you saw or funny dog story your client had. Try to bullet point what needs to be covered in the meeting and share with the participants prior to meeting (maybe within the calendar invite notes) so everyone is on the same page when it comes time to talk.


5. Track Your Task Timing


It's easy to get sucked into a task and look up to a dark sky hours later. Try setting timers or limiting how much time you put into a task. Especially if you know you could be doing the task quicker.


This is also great for your own understanding of how long on average it takes you to complete tasks so you can set better, more realistic deadlines for when they should be done.


5. Learn Shortcuts


Everyone loves a good short cut. I'm not talking a quicker walk home, though that would apply to time management too. No, I'm talking technological shortcuts you can take.


Whether this be the use of templates, like in Canva, or sending out automated emails through Calendly. Any kind of app or software that can cut down your time on the back end is worth investing in (both education-wise and money-wise).


My tip would be to pinpoint what exactly is taking you so long with certain tasks and start researching for any potential tools that could cut down time.


6. PAUSE


Taking a pause not only boosts productivity but it can help decrease any stress.


Get up from your computer, rest your eyes from the blue light and reading, go outside and get some fresh air or do a short mindfulness session. It's as easy as searching "Mindfulness Meditation Work Break".


These breaks will help you tackle the day without feeling overwhelmed and help motivate you to successfully complete what you have to do!

 

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