I knew there were some changes that I wanted to make as part of celebrating the new year, but I hesitated to create resolutions or set goals because they are artificially limiting. Goals keep you focused on something in the future, instead of being present and enjoying what you’re doing right now. And they are particularly bad as new year resolutions, as what you want now may not be what you are interested in a few months from now or next year. As 2012 passes I want to be open to new opportunities.

So instead of creating resolutions or setting goals, I decided to make a simple list of daily habits for the year. It’s not a checklist and not something I need to worry myself about accomplishing every day, it’s simply a list of habits to help me stay focused. Most of these habits I already do and want to continue (I workout five days a week). Others, such as writing every day, I would like to do as a new habit.

• live healthy every day
• eat healthy foods at every meal
• exercise at least four times per week
• talk to everyone I pass and engage with people every day
• contribute to others in a meaningful way every day
• write every day
• read every day
• listen to music every day
• be grateful and thankful every day
• enjoy my life every day
• live in the moment

You’ll notice that none of the habits have set criteria to accomplish. I didn’t list “run a marathon” because it is too goal oriented, and once completed it could be checked off and dismissed. Habits are ongoing, and my own creativity and motivation determine how I accomplish things. I can always be excited about what I am doing.

I would encourage you to come up with your own list of new habits. If you can’t come up with a list, just come up with one thing, or half of one thing. Just take a little time and think about how you can create, share, and enjoy life with other people. But don’t make it mandatory or you will just feel guilty when you fall of track. Instead, rely on the motivation you already have to enjoy life.