We’ve decided to offer a helping hand toward achieving that triumvirate of aims. These are New Year's resolutions that every man should make -- and that any man can manage. We aren’t suggesting very specific aims; rather, these are designed to make you think about what you really want out of life and you should interpret them in a way that is appropriate to you.
10. Build a shelf
We know that not everyone is a skilled handyman, but learning some basic DIY has all sorts of advantages. Firstly, it saves time and money if you can fix something yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you finish a project, and it is also a pretty impressive skill to have.
So this year, make sure you put energy into learning how to do something practical. Whether it is turning a plank of wood into a shelf or rewiring your entire house (which we wouldn’t suggest as a first project), a manual project is certainly a resolution all men should make.
9. Read a big book
How many great books have we all heard of, but never actually read -- and perhaps even lied about reading? This year, make a point of knocking at least one title off that list. There are so many classic novels to choose from that you are bound to find something that will appeal to you. Not only will it make you more erudite, as you discover why that novel is held in such high regard (and possibly improve your vocabulary) but it may just kick-start a new enthusiasm for reading.
8. Make an appointment for a checkup
It is a frequently repeated statement that men are singularly bad at visiting their doctor. By and large, men prefer to say nothing and hope that a problem goes away rather than be seen as a hypochondriac or a wuss. But we say this year is the time to change that. Make an appointment for that checkup, even if it is just to confirm that everything’s working the way it should be. The importance of your health cannot be overstated; take one small step to help yourself.
7. Go to a career conference
There are very few men out there who are entirely satisfied with the position they are in career-wise, and the rest of us don’t necessarily know how to progress. This is where our next resolution comes in. Visiting a career conference will give you all sorts of great advice on career progression. It will help to galvanize you if you have found your motivation flagging, and is a great opportunity for networking. It will dig you out of the rut you find yourself stuck in, and may be just what you need to finally start getting the recognition you deserve at work.
6. Devote more time to your hobbies
While our previous point emphasized the importance of working on your career, we also recognize the importance of having good quality downtime as well. It is all too easy to come home after a hard day at the office, sit on the couch and watch TV. Remember when you used to have hobbies? Start devoting time to rediscovering those activities. It is a more fulfilling way to spend your time than doing nothing, and may also allow you to meet some new people. Whether it’s a sport, a musical instrument or some incredibly obscure activity, make time for it again.
5. Do P90X
Countless studies have shown that setting vague fitness and weight-loss goals are easily ignored. Much more effective is setting a workout routine to follow, which then lets the weight thing take care of itself. P90X is just one example of these challenging exercise programs that keep you motivated as well as yielding excellent results. Find one that suits your aims (weight loss, muscle gain, etc), and then get going with it. You will find you have more energy, you look and feel better, and those love handles will cease to be a concern.
4. Open a savings account
The last 12 months have been a salutary lesson in the importance of sound financial management. While that was on a global scale, we can all do better with our personal finances. As one small step, we recommend opening a savings account. Put a percentage of your salary in each month (or whatever you can spare) and don’t touch it. Pretty soon you won’t miss the money you have put away, and it will gradually grow into the beginnings of a nest egg. You can use this as a springboard into better fiscal health more generally.
3. Conquer a fear
We never promised that these would all be a walk in the park (unless you are afraid of parks). Everyone has fears of one kind or another, and overcoming them can be a real battle. The cheapest and most effective way to overcome your fear is to expose yourself to what you’re scared of until you get over it. If your fear is having a negative impact on your quality of life, 2010 is the year to make this resolution.
2. Help someone else
A great way to feel better about yourself is by helping those in need. We realize that not everyone has lots of time to devote to this, but whatever you can do to help is worth doing. Whether that is volunteering in a soup kitchen (especially helpful in the winter) or helping your elderly landlady carry out her garbage, make 2010 the year when you start thinking about making the world better for everyone else. It is very easy to become self-absorbed and forget there are always people in need of help. Don’t make that mistake this year.
1. Visit a new destination
Our No. 1 resolution for 2010 is about taking yourself outside your comfort zone, broadening your horizons and checking out a new corner of the world. The quickest way to cure listlessness or boredom is to put yourself in the crosshairs of an adventure. Whether you have a dream destination in mind or you simply throw a dart at a map of the world, going somewhere new is the most important New Year’s resolution all men should make. Even if you hate traveling, you can still do this. Visiting somewhere new can even include the restaurant you walk past every day, the local museum or the next town over.
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