Here we are at the end of another year. A new decade is just days away, and that calls for making a list and checking it twice. Wait… that’s a different holiday.
Forget that naughty and nice list. It’s time for a nice list, one of New Year's resolutions.
Just 60 percent of people admit to making resolutions, but only eight percent are successful in follow-through. For this reason, resolutions should be simple and realistic.
Here are five ideas to get your list started.
Learn Something New Everyday
Expand your horizons by treating your brain to a new tidbit of knowledge. Whether it’s a particular subject or a language, set aside time each day in 2020 to learn something new. Check out this list of more than 100 of 2019’s best educational YouTube channels for ideas.
Get Fit
Along with saving money (stay tuned for that one below), getting into shape is tops on New Year's resolution lists. There’s a myriad of reasons to get fit; the most obvious is to lose weight. Excess weight can often have serious health implications like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
And, of course, there’s an app for that! Free apps like MyFitnessPal are great for tracking calories and exercise, as well as provide a community that will support you every step of the way.
Start with a small goal like no bread and eliminate something new at your own pace. Take 10 minutes each morning and build up to the required 30 minutes daily, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you start to feel like a new person.
Move More
If losing weight is an overwhelming prospect, start by simply moving more. It doesn’t matter how you do it – just move! There are several smartwatches on the market, including the affordable FitBit, that double as pedometers. Set a goal of at least 10,000 steps a day and crush it by walking on your lunch break or joining a dance class. There are several dance studios in Tampa, including Salsa Caliente Dance Studio.
Save Money
For many people, saving money is difficult. However, there are small steps that really do add up, like making coffee at home and buying a sustainable water bottle. Why spend $3.50 on a cup of fancy coffee every day? Instead, make your coffee at home and invest that money into an IRA. Over 30 years, that $3.50 can turn into $160,000! The same goes for buying bottled water. Buy a water bottle that can keep your beverages hot and cold for hours and help the environment at the same time.
Is a cruise in your future? You can save hundreds with Parkway Parking by parking at an off-port lot. While rates vary, long term parking at Port of Tampa is estimated at a whopping $75 per day. Sure, it’s convenient, but you can save a daily average of $70 just by parking a bit farther from the cruise port. For example, park at Tampa Cruise Parking for $5/day for a savings of $350 on a five-day trip. Take a courtesy shuttle, and you’ll be at the port in no time.
Stop Procrastinating
Procrastination happens. But don't make it a habit. In fact, make it a resolution to stop procrastinating on tasks you know need to be done. After your cruise is booked, immediately reserve off-port parking. After all, it’s a money-saver, so spots fill up quickly. Call (888) 399-9267 and a parking specialist help you with your reservation. You can also self-book by visiting ParkwayParking on-line.
