New Year's resolutions seem like a great way to take stock of the last year and set goals for the next one. Instead, resolutions work best when they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. And while making good resolutions is important, you still have to stick to them — which is hard. So we’ve put together a list to help you achieve your goals.

Eat Healthier

If big diet changes are too drastic for you, try making just little changes when you go out to eat. Getting steamed vegetables instead of fries, asking for your meat to be grilled instead of fried, eating less condiments or sauces, and drinking water instead of (or in-between) sodas are all easier steps to stick with.

Exercise / Get in Shape

While there’s a lot of exercises you can do at home (like just taking a walk around your neighborhood), but having a layer of accountability can help you actually follow through and work out more often. Try taking a group fitness class, join a gym with a friend & go together, or hire a coach that will want to know your progress regularly.  

Get out of Debt / Save Money

Most financial advice includes: paying more than the minimum payment, focusing the bulk of your effort towards one bill at a time, picking up a side hustle, creating (and sticking to) a budget, negotiating your bills, and consolidating like debts. (Source: every financial blog ever)

If you’re looking for more personalized advice or want to start planning your retirement, you should meet with a financial advisor.

Get a Job

The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce has links to several online job boards to help you find new opportunities.

Learn a New Skill

The Career Technology Center at Fort Osage has programs in health science (1 year program), fire science, college prep engineering, cybersecurity, and advanced computer engineering.

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers training for many skilled occupations with strong salaries and high demand.

Columbia College - Kansas City provides a unique educational opportunity to working adults through its degree offerings and 8-week course format, as part of a network of campuses across the country and online.

Graceland University is a 4 year liberal arts school located in Lamoni, IA. Programs in Nursing, Education, Business and Seminary are offered at the Independence campus.

Through the innovations and ideals of the University of Missouri, MU Extension improves lives, businesses and communities by focusing on solving Missouri’s grand challenges around economic opportunity, educational access, and health and well-being.

Read More

Mid-Continent Library offers borrowing materials, free internet access, live programs and information services. We also have a variety of content available for download through their website.

Meet New People / Become More Social

Obviously, the Blue Springs Chamber is great place for networking opportunities. They provide monthly events where everyone is there for the same reason – to meet new people or strengthen relationships.

Networking not your thing? Try looking at some of the more casual events on Meetup.com.

Or at the very least, just try being friendlier to your cashiers & co-workers…

Watch Less TV/Netflix

While there’s many reasons to watch less TV, one of the reasons it’s hard to leave is because it’s entertaining. Blue Springs offers several great entertainment options that will get you away from your screen while still having fun.

Go to your doctor / dentist regularly

We all know we should have regular checkups, but often put off doctor & dentist visits because we feel fine. But that’s actually counter-intuitive.  Taking care of your health proactively can actually reduce the number of ‘oh-no’ visits you have to schedule in the long run.

Learn more about art, culture, history, etc.

The purpose of the Blue Springs Historical Society is to bring together people interested in the history of Blue Springs and eastern Jackson County.

The purpose of the Blue Springs Art League is to foster greater interest in the visual arts among the residents of the community.

Blue Springs City Theatre's primary location is in the Live! Auditorium (formerly Theater 8) inside Miller Theatres

Volunteer

Our community is blessed with many caring nonprofits and civic organizations. Whether you’re looking for consistent volunteer work, want to offer a specific service, or just help occasionally (like at the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival), there are tons of opportunities to give back.

Or, stick to the good healthy habits you’ve already developed

If you aced your New Year’s Resolution last year be proud and keep it going strong! Don’t let your hard work go to waste, and focus on what’s important to you.