How to Make 2015 Your Best Year Yet

Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a running start.

"2015 Is Mine" - There are good years and there are not so good years. But did you know that you have the power to make 2015 a great year? Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a running start. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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"2015 Is Mine" - There are good years and there are not so good years. But did you know that you have the power to make 2015 a great year? Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a running start. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis

Create a Food Diary - Most people eat way more calories than they think they do. The best way to keep track is to write it all down and do the math. This way you know for sure that you are deducting 250 calories from your diet every day.  (Photo: I Love Images/Corbis)

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Pick Just One Resolution - Researchers say our brains are really only equipped to make one big change at a time. So choose wisely and write it down to help it stick. Click here to learn the ins and outs of making resolutions that actually stick. (Photo: I Love Images/Corbis)

Photo By Photo: I Love Images/Corbis

Spa Week - Need an excuse to get a massage? October 20-26 is Spa Week. That means $50 treatments at select spas around the country. So now you can get that fancy facial you've been hearing all your friends and co-workers rave about without the guilt of dishing out the extra dough. Book your appointment now. (Photo: Ruslan Dashinsky/Getty Images)

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Take Better Care of Yourself - If you’ve been putting off eating better, have been avoiding the gym or wishing you had time to get a pedicure, don't let another day go by without getting started. Yes, it can be difficult to put yourself first, especially if you have a demanding job or little people who depend on you, but self-care fills you up so that you can take care of everything else.  (Photo: Ruslan Dashinsky/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Ruslan Dashinsky/Getty Images

Don't Forget Your Results - If you haven’t gotten your results back after a week, call the office to follow up on when you get them. The sooner you know your results, the better. If the results require another appointment, do not be scared and don’t put it off.  (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

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Learn to Say No - Whether it’s babysitting your friend’s monster toddler, entertaining your man’s homeboy’s random new “girlfriend” or heading up a committee at your son’s school, so often, women have a difficult time declining things that they don’t really want to do. But if you don’t respect your time, no one else will. So get comfortable with turning down things that don't bring you joy to leave more time for the things that do.  (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

Give Back - Pick a cause or organization that aligns with your passions — whether that’s advocating for justice system reform, mentoring our next generation of leaders or volunteering at the local food bank — and make it a regular part of your life. You’ll feel good knowing you are putting something great out into the world.  (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

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Give Back - Pick a cause or organization that aligns with your passions — whether that’s advocating for justice system reform, mentoring our next generation of leaders or volunteering at the local food bank — and make it a regular part of your life. You’ll feel good knowing you are putting something great out into the world.  (Photo: Hero Images/Corbis)

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Make More Time for Loved Ones - It can feel indulgent to spend time with your friends and family when you know you have laundry waiting for you, but being around people who love you recharges your batteries so you can keep zooming. In fact, research shows that the more time you spend with them, the happier you’ll be.  (Photo: Sam Edwards/Getty Images)

Movie Marathon - If you have a nearby drive-in or local theater that shows late-night movies, head there for two or three in a row. Or pick your faves and play them at home, complete with buttery popcorn and all the candy you can eat. Suggestion: Pick a series and watch it all the way through.  (Photo: Aurelie and Morgan David De Lossy/cultura/Corbis)

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Pat Yourself on the Back - Just nailed a project at work? Do a happy dance (or treat yourself to a long lunch)! Met your weight loss goal for the month? Reward yourself with a movie night. Recognizing yourself for your triumphs makes them resonate more and nudges you forward.  (Photo: moodboard/Corbis)

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Go Outside More Often - Research shows that spending time outdoors actually makes you feel happier. So aim for 20 minutes a day in the fresh air.  (Photo: Matt Dutile/Corbis)

Lose Some Weight - Being obese and having excess fat on your body can do a number on your menstrual cycle and make you skip periods, which means you ovulate less. And being able to pinpoint ovulation is crucial for getting pregnant. FYI: Being underweight isn’t good for fertility, either. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Do Something that Makes You Happy Daily - Every day, seek to do at least one thing that makes you smile. That could be working out, FaceTiming with your niece, eating a piece of chocolate — anything that makes you feel good will help improve your day, no matter how trying. And what is a great year but a string of great days? Get to it.  (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)