We’re officially one week into 2009! So…how are those New Year’s resolutions coming?
Each year millions of Americans and others across the globe set goals for self-improvement as the calendar transitions from December to January.
Some of the most common resolutions relate to weight loss and health, finance management and family life; check out this list of “Popular New Year’s Resolutions” from the US government (some top examples below).
- Lose Weight
- Manage Debt
- Eat Right
- Get a Better Education
- Reduce Stress
- Take a Trip
- Volunteer to Help Others
Hopefully you haven’t fallen off the horse just yet, but if you’re finding it a little difficult to follow through on your aspirations, perhaps try adding a little “spice” to the typical ho-hum New Year’s resolution. How? Geography of course!
Find a way to add a geographic “twist” to your New Year’s Resolution.
For example, want to lose weight?
Explore your local community by walking, biking, jogging, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, etc. Examine different features of the built and natural environments you may not have noticed before, like dominant architectural styles or varying plant species. Your brain will be so busy taking in the sites you’ll forget about how hard your body is working!
Want to save money?
Avoid tolls and gas fees by relying on public transportation whenever possible. At home, find ways to make your home more energy efficient, like turning down the heat and ensuring that windows are well insulated. Try shopping for clothing at secondhand stores–you’ll likely find some great vintage garb. All these actions will save money AND protect the environment!
My own commitment to work fewer hours hasn’t panned out so well, but seeing as I “do geography” for a living, I’ll just chalk it up to my own “geographic twist.”
Tell Us: What are some more ideas for adding geographic twists to New Year’s resolutions?
Sarah for My Wonderful World
Images courtesy GreenTechnology.com, UtahOutdoors.com