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How many times have you set New Year’s resolutions for yourself, only to struggle to find the motivation to start pursuing those goals? Resolutions are easy to make, but not always so easy to complete.
Instead, let’s start this 2020 with focus and determination that it will be a good year, successful however that might look for you. To that end, here are 10 sources of inspiration for this New Year—whether your objective is to adopt a healthier lifestyle or pursue a passion you’ve left on the backburner:
1. Read: “Everyday Power”
The “Everyday Power” blog encompasses everything motivational. Its content consists of everything from inspiring quotes and book recommendations to articles on mindset and motivation, impact and influence, and life skills. You’ll find articles to guide you toward succeeding in your aspirations—from advice on making tough financial choices, to overcoming obstacles getting in the way of prosperity. This blog will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
2. Watch: “How to get better at the things you care about”
Eduardo Briseño is a passionate learner. He embraces every opportunity to learn new things for personal growth. In fact, it’s what he believes is the key to self-improvement.
In his enlightening TED talk, Briseño stresses the need for spending balanced times in the performance and learning zones. Because as humans, we have a natural tendency to want to perform well all the time, but in order to achieve success, we need to be willing to spend time learning.
His speech showcases the importance of taking time to learn new things in order to do the things we love—and do them well. So, if you find yourself stuck in a rut as you move toward completing your 2020 objective, watch this discussion to open your mind and be a constant learner.
3. Listen: “RISE podcast” with Rachel Hollis
From the innovative and motivational mind of New York Times best-selling author Rachel Hollis, comes the RISE podcast. She chats with business leaders and personal development professionals to provide listeners with tips for success not only in business, but in life.
Recent episodes include “Starting the Decade Right” (a great one to kick start 2020), “How to Level Up Your Life,” and “How to Face Your Fears.” You’ll find all the inspiration you need to jump start your path to self-improvement.
4. Read: “Stephanie Under Construction”
Join Captain Stephanie Lueras, Salvation Army Bullhead City/Laughlin Corps Officer, along her path to wellness. Through her own hard work, she’s lost more than 205 pounds through sport. Lueras started by just walking to the end of the street, and now competes in intense marathons and triathlons. Her sheer will, endurance and unfaltering determination is amazing.
She’s proof that if you’re willing to put in the work, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. And her story alone, detailed through her blog, is enough to get anyone excited and motivated to get going on their own goals.
So, if you’re feeling defeated, head over to Lueras’ blog for your daily dose of inspiration.
5. Watch: “There’s more to life than being happy”
Emily Esfahani Smith, author of “The Power of Meaning,” is all about finding and attaining the things that make life meaningful—and the pursuit of happiness is not one of them. She actually argues that this constant effort to be happy can do more harm than good.
Instead, in her TED talk, she details the four pillars for a meaningful life: belonging, purpose, transcendence and storytelling. Do your New Year’s resolutions fall under these categories? If not, are you aiming for the right things, or the things you think will bring you happiness? Watch this TED Talk to find out, and see if your goals end up being avenues for self-improvement—or self-sabotage.
6. Listen: “The Do Gooders Podcast”
Have you been wanting to make a difference in the world? It’s a huge undertaking that can seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. And if that’s what you want to accomplish in 2020, this Caring podcast covers all your bases. You’ll hear from people making an impact daily in their communities, why their work is important, and how taking the initiative can change your life. It’ll ignite that fire within you to make change happen and do good—wherever you are, in whatever way you can—today.
7. Read: “Addicted 2 Success”
Addicted 2 Success covers everything success entails and what is needed to obtain it. It doesn’t matter what your end goal is, this blog has the advice to get you where you want to be. So, if you’re craving success in 2020, head here for the tips, tricks and words of wisdom you need to keep going after your dreams.
8. Watch: “Living Beyond Limits”
Paralympic medalist Amy Purdy is a symbol of true strength, resilience and courage. Her story is proof that there is life beyond our own limitations, and that in her case, “innovation has only been possible because of my borders.”
If you’re feeling constrained or helpless in the situation you are in, she shows you that all is not lost. And if the challenges you’re facing are getting in the way of you living your life to the fullest in 2020 and going after your hopes for the New Year, take every word she speaks to heart and use it to propel you to prosperity.
9. Listen: “The Lifehack Show”
The world is full of unique people with different priorities when it comes to what they want. For some that’s being an amazing parent, for others it’s building meaningful relationships with people and finding success in their careers. Lifehack’s relatively new podcast, “The Lifehack Show,” delves into how to overcome the hurdles getting in the way of the objectives you have for your life. It examines how we need to change our own mindsets to find the fulfillment we long for.
10. Read: “We Are The Salvation Army (100 Faces, One Army: A Centennial Celebration of the Western Territory)”
Find 100 short stories about unsung heroes who have found change and are working for the betterment of society through The Salvation Army. Reading the stories of people accomplishing great things, of those showing up each day to do what needs to be done with discipline, or of those overcoming their obstacles to thrive is inspiring. And if you’re feeling discouraged as you start the year, the people in this book will show you how to push through adversity, how to find purpose and how to live a life dedicated to doing good. Why not join in?
Do Good:
- Visit westernusa.salvationarmy.org to find The Salvation Army nearest you.
- Give to support the fight for good in your community.
- Did you know The Salvation Army served more than 23 million Americans last year fighting hunger, homelessness, substance abuse and more—all in a fight for good? Where can you help? Take our free quiz to find What’s Your Cause and how you can join in today.
