New Year, new start! How to leave last year's work, health and money problems behind

Take a look through our handy tips on how to keep your resolutions in every aspect of your life.

17:39 18 December 2013

Every New Year, people always make resolutions. “"This will be the year I finally lose some weight"” or “"This is the year I’ll earn enough to buy the car I’ve dreamt of"”.

2014 really can be the year you achieve your goals and dreams. It should be a year you to truly remember, not regret.

Take a look through our handy tips on how to keep your resolutions in every aspect of your life:

 

Your job

Careers are stressful enough without you hating your job, your boss or your colleagues. Many of us, especially now that job cuts are frequently announced on the news, are scared for our security but more than that because bosses are feeling the strain they often take it out on their employees.

Feeling like you need a change of career or a job in another firm?

1. DonÂ’t quit your current job before finding a new one. Many people are facing job losses and therefore there are expected to be many people applying for just one job. Never quit a position before securing another one, or you may face unemployment for some time.

2. Jazz up your CV. Make sure that you update it and add a bit of personality to it. As so many people are going for jobs, yours needs to stand out above anyone elseÂ’s. Ensure it is kept to just two pages maximum and includes bullets rather than long paragraphs.

3. Add your portfolio. Nothing impresses more than an employer being shown the hard work youÂ’ve done. Send a neatly presented portfolio with your CV demonstrating your client experience, project experience and management skills in a concise and attractive way.

4. Network. If you have someone at a similar firm to you who you can trust, ask them if they know of anything thatÂ’s coming up. Be sure that they wonÂ’t tell your current employer, however, as this could cause problems.

5. Sign up to a recruitment agency. These people are paid to find jobs for people. Working on commission, they will do their very best to at least set you up for an interview. They will also give you advice on your CV and interview technique.

 

Are you happy to stay where you are, but feel taken advantage of by your boss or aggrieved with colleagues?

1. Remember that they'’re stressed too. Your boss or colleague may not talk to you with the upmost respect, however everyone is under pressure at the moment. They just want projects to be finished promptly and professionally. Take a deep breath before speaking to anyone who annoys you – you could regret a sarcastic or aggressive comeback.

2. Talk in a calm manner. If you think that there is bullying going on, then you need to speak to the bully or a head of department before things get too out of hand. You need to stand up for yourself, but ensure that there is no fall back on you, so speak confidently but calmly.

 

Your health

Most people feel under the weather in the New Year, whether itÂ’s over-indulgence at Christmas or just simply winter illnesses getting you down. Either way, thereÂ’s changes you can make to make you feel a whole lot better

Are you trying to lose weight?

1. Be realistic. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t just think you can go cold turkey and cut out all your favourite treats. It won’t work and you’ll go back to your old diet quickly. Let yourself have a treat once or twice a week – say on a weekend. If you eat healthily during the week, a chocolate bar or even a McDonald’s won’t impact too badly on your diet.

2. Balance is key. Had a bad day and just need some comfort food? Have it. Just try and exercise it off by doing a little extra at the gym or walking to work.

3. Set small goals. Think about what you would want to improve each week by laying out a plan. If you want to lose a significant amount, start by aiming to lose a couple of pounds a week. If you want to tone up, choose different areas of the body each exercise session.

 

Feeling a little under the weather after the Christmas period?

1. Eat lots of fruit. Make sure youÂ’re full of vitamins to fight off any potential infections. YouÂ’re more likely to get ill if youÂ’re rundown.

2. Get plenty of sleep. Whilst youÂ’re off over the Christmas period, try and get as much sleep as possible. YouÂ’ll feel the benefits once you start back on your usual routine.

3. Drink plenty of water. It will get rid of any left-over toxins you have in the body from alcohol or all the mince pies!

 

Your money

2011 is set to see many cuts made by the Government, so you need to be aware of the changes in order to plan for the year ahead.

1. The VAT changes. VAT is going up to 20% this year, as announced by the new coalition Government. ItÂ’s an indefinite change that will affect everything from business to shopping. You need to take this into consideration, as all your bills will include the extra charges.

2. Save your money. The economic changes could get a lot worse this year, so save as much money as you can. Have a shop around for the best interest rates on savings accounts or go into your local bank for further information about your current savings.

3. Gas and electricity. British Gas is to introduce higher charges on its gas and electricity in 2011, therefore itÂ’s important to save as much as possible by buying energy saving products or turning all electrical items off at the plugs if youÂ’re not using them.

4. Always plan ahead. No oneÂ’s job is safe at the moment, and although itÂ’s a scary though you need to plan for the worst case scenario. What happens if you or your partner were to lose your job?

5. Don’t over-indulge. Curb your spending by only buying essential items. If there’s a sale on, make sure you purchase something you really want – and not something that’s just taken your fancy.