The New Year’s Resolution. A  popular tradition for many, New Year’s resolutions actually originated with the ancient Babylonians who promised in the new year to return borrowed objects and pay off their debts. The Romans began the New Year by promising things to their god Janus, after whom the month of January is named. Most people these days make promises either to themselves, family members, the universe, or even to God or their chosen higher power. But what does a New Year’s resolution actually do for any of us?

Last year, beginning around this time, I saw more posts saying, “2020 is going to be our year” than ever before. Everyone had an overwhelming feeling that this year, unlike any other year before it, would be especially lucky and plentiful. Well, fast forward to the present and we all know how this year has gone down. No need to re-hash that. This leaves me with one question for you all as we face the end of 2020. Do you set New Year’s resolutions? This year I’m a bit undecided. I feel more aware that no matter what resolutions I decide to make, the universe is always going to do its’ thing, but I also fully believe that there are resolutions we can make, and stick to, no matter what the state of the world is in around us.

Some of the most common New Year’s resolutions are things like: “save more, spend less” (that’s me after 2020), “quit smoking”, “drink less”, and things along those lines. With only 29 days left of 2020, I think it’s time we start thinking about this, and what we’re going to do to make 2021 the best year we can, regardless of the state our country or our world is in. Resolutions are commonly made to break bad habits or make needed changes for the future. We look back at the past and make efforts to improve ourselves. Again, we have 29 days left in this horrid year, so why wait? It’s time we start now!

Is there something specific that 2020 has taught you? For me, it taught me many things — mainly to save more. Being a business owner with a large staff to pay has been tougher than usual with the lockdowns, shutdowns, and drastic slowing of the economy. I’ve had to learn to adapt and to create more opportunities for myself and my brand. One of my goals for 2021 was exactly that and something that I started months ago — creating more opportunities. I scaled up our wholesale contacts for Beauty Kitchen, which I am also using for Marianna Naturals. I’ve created other streams of income for my brand by increasing our private label contracts and checking in with old clients. We also have worked on new in-house lines and created the top selling Quarantine Kit, which is a stay-at-home-spa must have. (Use code ASKHM for 25% off the kit!) Another thing that 2020 has taught me was the importance of self-care and self-love. We have to take time for ourselves in order to stay healthy. If this is something that is lacking in your life, start now.

Whether your choose to wait until New Year’s Eve, or not to make any resolutions at all, I think we can take a little something from this tradition and apply it to our lives in a unique and personal way. If your focus is around personal goals, then road map what is going wrong and make a tangible plan to fix it over time. I know that I’m not a good drinker, so over this entire year I have worked to change my relationship with alcohol, and I have a much better balance now. Maybe you have work goals or personal finance goals. Create your budget now for 2021. What are your fixed costs and flexible costs for the year? Break it down into what you need to do EVERY DAY to meet those goals. If you have fitness goals, create your 2021 meal and workout plan now! Don’t wait for the new year, start it now! Think about how much time Corona has taken away from our lives and the fact that it’s probably not going away anytime soon. If you want to call in a partner for your life, start thinking of organic ways to meet people (other than dating apps). Start putting the word out that you are ready to settle down. Tell your friends to fix you up. If the blind date is bad, you can always say you’re going to the bathroom like I do and leave. LOL, facts.

Listen, this year has been rough for us all. If we choose to focus on the things we CAN change, we can turn things around in our favor for 2021. Don’t forget that things take time. One night of lifting a glass to a new goal at midnight won’t change your life, you aren’t Cinderella after all. You need to put in the work, but you have it within you. Here’s to a better 2021. Cheers!