It’s that time of year again–when we resolve to make drastic and mostly superficial changes in our lives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The New Year can be a time when we set smart goals towards meaningful changes in our lives that we actually keep.

This 5 Step Guide of smart goals forces you to look a little deeper at why you makes the life decisions that you do especially when they don’t serve you.

5 Smart Goals for Making Meaningful Changes in 2014

1. Change only one thing at a time.

Pick one area of your life in which to focus. If you try and change too much at one time you’ll end up frustrated and exhausted. In my own life, gradual changes have really been the only ones that actually stick. Whether it be vegetarianism, eating organic, yoga, or meditation–all of the lasting changes in my life have been gradual.

2. Identify why you want to change.

Superficial changes are much less likely to stick. Why do you really want to change? Why is a particular behavior not working? What aspects of drinking too much are bothersome? Why does eating too many sweets hurt you in the end? Take a closer look at why you would like to give a behavior up.

3. How does a current behavior help you?

Just because you find a certain seemingly negative behavior helpful doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. But even still, there’s a reason why you’re doing it. What benefit does your current behavior serve in your life? This way you can find a substitute for the feeling this behavior provides.

4. Don’t run away from discomfort.

Now that you’ve identified both the good and the bad reasons why you do something, be mindful when you get the urge to submit to a bad habit. Can you sit with the discomfort that giving up a habit brings you? Maybe you overeat when you’re stressed or have a glass of wine. Instead, can you just sit with the feeling of anxiety or stress?

5. Avoid the naysayers.

If you’re trying to make meaningful changes in your life, stay away from the naysayers–those who prefer that things stay at homeostasis. Certain people around you may benefit from the way things are even if your bad habit is a part of it.

Related on EcoSalon
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The Essential List of Resolutions Not to Make
Embrace the New Year

Image: martinak15

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Keeping those New Year’s resolutions can be made easier by incorporating stylish reminders into your wardrobe.

Here we are, a few days into the new year and hopefully still on track with our resolutions. Whatever your resolution may be — eating more veggies, practicing more gratitude, helping rebuild disaster areas, giving up bottled water or supporting sustainable seafood —  you can probably find an item of clothing that will help serve as a reminder.

Eat Your Veggies Mushroom U-line Tank
Resolution: I will eat more veggies. Besides being one of my favorite veggies, mushrooms provide a wealth of protein, fiber and vitamin C, and have also been shown to boost heart health, lower risk of cancer; promote immune function; ward off viruses and help balance blood sugar levels. Designed and made in the USA, this tank top is made from 100% Siro Micro Modal (derived from sustainable beechwood) and printed with water based inks.
On sale for $20, Revenge Is

Practice Gratitude Bamboo Wear with Organic Cotton
Resolution: I will practice gratitude. This soft tee is made in a Fair Trade facility that guarantees a fair wage and safe working conditions, from a silky blend of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. As a bonus karmic reward, a tree will also be planted for every tee you buy. Now there’s something to be grateful for.
$34, Tees For Change

United by Blue 167 Tee
Resolution: I will give up bottled water. 167 is the average number of water bottles disposed of in the ocean per person. If we all pledge to give up bottled water in favor of reusable bottles, we’d do a lot to help prevent the oceans from being clogged with plastic debris. When you buy this 100% Organic cotton tee, United by Blue does their part by helping remove one pound of trash from our waterways.
On sale for $26, Mission Savvy

PACT for Japan Light Boy Short
Resolution: I will help those less fortunate. PACT and Architecture for Humanity have teamed up to create this collection of organic undies, which supports the design and construction of a work-house for a cooperative of 15 fishermen in Shizugawa, a town where 70% of the structures were destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami in March. The cute pattern featuring Japanese lanterns is one of three designed by Yves Behar especially for the collection.
$22, PACT

United by Blue Sustainable Seafood Tee
Resolution: I will only consume seafood that is sustainable. When you purchase this 100% Organic cotton T-shirt, you help United by Blue remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways around the world. When you check out, you can even choose — from one of three cleanup sites — where you want this pound of trash to be removed from. We should all aim to make sure that all the seafood we consume comes from a sustainable source. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide is a great resource that will help you move toward that goal.
$34, United by Blue

peaceBOMB Resolution Wrap
Resolution: I will work toward a more peaceful world. This wrap bracelet is made from vintage silk string from France and a hand cast tag and comes wrapped around a resolution card for you to write down your goal. For each bracelet sold, Project peaceBOMB is able to clear one meter of bomb littered land in areas of Laos previously ravaged by war. Wear it around your wrist as a constant reminder of your resolution (and our collective desire for a more peaceful world).
$16, Project peaceBOMB

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