Most of us make new year's resolutions with the hope of success, happiness and the fulfillment of goals for the new year. However, we also know that making good things happen depends on our outlook, determination, vision for the future and how we use those factors to our advantage. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the kind of self-improvement that can make this year the year you finally take that big leap forward. 

Personal Growth & Self-Improvement: Give Your Life a Boost This Year

Focus On The Positive
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One of the best ways to learn and grow is to become more accepting of yourself. As you begin the new year, focus on the positives in your life and the things you like most about yourself. It’s a way to realign your thinking in a healthy, productive direction while embracing the possibilities you’ve envisioned for yourself. If self-esteem has always been a concern for you, this is a great opportunity to make a positive start toward a happier, healthier you.   As Zero to Hero points out, "A positive mindset can give you more confidence and self-esteem but it also helps to reduce the effect of hypertension and stress.".

Own What You Do
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It may not be admirable, but it’s human nature to shirk responsibility for things we do that we’re not proud of and to blame our actions on circumstances beyond our control (or on other people). When you take responsibility for your own actions, you retain the power to make positive changes and to clean up the messes you may have made. This year, prove to yourself that you have the strength and character to own your actions. Taking personal responsibility can be a self-affirming act. 

Let Go Of What You Can't Control

It’s easy to believe that if we complain enough about things that don’t go our way, things will somehow change. When you get angry about missing a tennis game because it rained or you get frustrated because you got caught in traffic on the way to work, it can dominate your thinking. Complain though you might, these are things you can’t control, and getting worked up only makes you feel worse. When things don’t go well, make a point of counting to 10 or laughing it off and turning your attention toward something positive.  

Make It About Relationships, Not Assets​

Few things are more rewarding than spending time with the people you love. Make a point of spending more time with family and friends and a little less time at the gym or office. Building those relationships will give you a strong emotional support group and benefit you more than the accumulation of material things or always focusing solely on yourself.

Make The Jump
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Jettison A Bad Habit

Do you have an awesome business idea you’ve always wanted to try, or do you dream of making a career change? Why not let this year be the year you make it happen? If the idea’s a little intimidating, take it slow and put the pieces in place before moving forward. Take a class that will help you prepare or seek out a mentor in the same field.  Network with folks in the same industry and pick their brains.  Research the financing you might need, including the requirements for getting a small business loan or financing. 
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Work on getting rid of a bad habit that’s been holding you back (like procrastination). But don’t stop there: try replacing it with a good habit, something you’ve been meaning to incorporate in your daily life.

While it's often a new year's resolution, the perfect time to quit smoking is anytime.   Did you know  that smokers pay nearly double for life insurance as compared to non-smokers?  If you're a smoker, make this year THE year to quit.  But don't do it alone:  consult with your health care provider to see if they suggest a smoking cessation product, and find a support group near you, too.

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This year, focus on building relationships and making self-improvements that can help you achieve your dreams. Look into something you’ve always wanted to accomplish, whether it’s starting a new business, hobby or even getting a degree and moving into a new field. Personal growth and self-improvement are often about taking a chance and making a change.​

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