Four life rules for 2015

I’m not a big one for resolutions, especially for New Year. In my experience, resolutions are always broken. That plan to detox from chocolate and wine lasts until around the 7th of January before I cave. So, true to form, I’m not making any resolutions for 2015. I am, however, making some life rules. These are rules that I’m determined to live by for the next year. They’re rules that I think will help keep me happy, calm and able to enjoy the important things in life.

Learn to say no

My biggest fault is saying “yes” too often. This is sometimes a blessing because I’m open to new experiences but, mainly, it’s a hindrance because I end up taking on too much. I hate to let people down but I know that ultimately, saying yes to everything all the time means I will end up falling short. So this year I’m going to learn to say “no” when I need to, without feeling guilty about it.

Set realistic goals 

On the same theme as the “no” theme, I need to learn to be realistic about what’s achievable. For example, it’s not realistic to think I can write three features, do two hours of copywriting and polish off a blog post in one evening – especially when I’m existing on minimal sleep and have a baby with unpredictable sleeping patterns. So I need to be realistic about what I can squeeze into the time I have – and not beat myself up when that list may be shorter than I’d ideally like it to be.

Slow down and live in the now

Life is fast. Too fast at times. I want 2015 to be the year of contentment rather than the year of striving. If it means earning less but having more time then I’ll take the time over the money. I would really like to find space in each day to cuddle my baby without feeling guilty – like I should be checking emails at the same time. I’d like to dedicate half an hour a day to talk to my four year old about her day and listen to her read, without feeling like I should be cooking tea or sorting washing at the same time. I want to slow down and be present in each moment, rather than thinking about the next one.

Focus on the wins rather than the losses

I am my own worst critic. Whether it’s berating myself for not being a good enough mum, or blogging more, or pitching more articles, I am the first to hit myself with a metaphorical stick. But, actually, I think I am a pretty good mum. My kids are loved – and know it. They have food in their bellies, clothes on their backs, and experiences aplenty. And I think I’m a pretty good freelancer too. I’m motivated, never miss a deadline and have original ideas (*blows own trumpet*). So at the end of each day I’m going to try to focus on what I’ve achieved rather than what I haven’t. There will always be things I haven’t achieved every day, but what’s the point in getting stuck on those?