How to get the best out of 2012

Beginning a new year is always exciting because it brings about hope for a better start. Each time we say simultaneously say goodbye to one year and hello to another on new years eve, we get that magical feeling about how this new year will be better. We start making lists and new years resolutions and become more optimistic. However we are then usually faced with what is known as the January blues - we've got to wait almost a whole year until Christmas again and we wonder what there is to look forward to. We are depressed at the thought of rainy weather and trying to stick to a diet of what looks and tastes like rabbit and bird food. Almost immediately we want to give up on all those resolutions we made.

However I've found/made some random tips that, when followed, can hopefully make a bit of difference over the following year. Just by making small changes or trying new things we can get the best out of 2012!

• If you haven't made resolutions yet, try to make just a couple of small ones that are easily achievable. 
• Instead of trying to drop three dress sizes by hardcore dieting, instead why don't you aim to tone up. This is a much healthier option and is vague in that you can try to achieve it in a variety of different ways. 
• If you're aiming to tackle your money problems this year, don't set an unrealistic amount to save - instead try to put a small amount of money aside each month and dream about what you can spend it on.
• Take one day a week and make it 'your' day. Catch up on all your favourite TV shows, eat all your favourite food or simply just spend the day doing something you love.
• Set your alarm to wake you up at 4am and go out and do something random. Go on a random drive, go food shopping or simply sit outside and watch the stars.
• Watch a meteor shower! Each year two or three meteor showers are prominent over a couple of evenings and if you get out of the city you can watch these showers and see hundreds of shooting stars over an evening. It's definitely something worth seeing.
• If you find yourself often rushed for time in the mornings do one simple thing that is obvious (yet no one seems to do it!) - get everything ready the night before. Can't find the motivation? Spend some time the evening before putting together your outfit for the next day - no one can resist spending that extra time to make sure they look especially stylish. If you're rushing around in the mornings you're probably likely to forget to wear some cute accessories that could make or break an outfit.
• Dress each day as if you don't know who you'll bump into - you never know who might be around the next corner ;)
• Need a simple confidence boost one day? If you don't already wear a matching pair of your favourite underwear - you'll be surprised at how much more sexy you feel.
• Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Aim to do this by trying something new or something that scares you once a month or perhaps once a week.
• Start a photo journal.
• Or a scrapbook.
• Or even a diary!
• If you're a fellow blogger, take some time one night to write up and schedule posts for the week ahead.
• Strike up conversation with strangers. If you don't know what to say, try asking a simple question like what the time is or asking for a film or CD recommendation.
• Do more things alone. Try and get to a stage where you are comfortable enough in your own company to dine out alone or to go to the cinema. You must know how annoying it is when you really want to see a film but don't have a date/all your friends are busy. Why miss out when you can just go alone? (No one will notice in the dark anyway :P)
• Organize a street party.
• If you love to travel but can't afford to often, think about other ways you can achieve this. Explore your own hometown or even just get the bus or a lift to a nearby town. Traveling doesn't always mean sandy beaches or exotic countries. Just by visiting a new town you can find great new shops, new history, you can explore new museums and even meet new people.
• Have movie nights in with your friends.
• Host Come Dine With Me nights among your friends.
• Say goodbye to everyone who brings or lets you down. Life is too short to let people do this to you and you won't miss them when they're gone.
• Become more cultured. Find out about different events going on in your area and don't be afraid to attend them alone or worry that it's not you're crowd. You'll be surprised at how much fun you have.
• Try going a month saying yes to all social event invitations.
• Get up extra early one morning and watch the sunrise.
• Go to the beach at night.

By just applying or trying a few of these tips you'll be amazed at the difference it will make. So they might not all change your life drastically but even the small tips will make a small change if you allow them too! Let me know if you try any of these ideas and if they make any difference!