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A brand new you!
Here’s to a brand new you this New Year! We’ve got tips and suggestions on how you can reinvent yourself. Click here to start a better version of you!

When one speaks of the New Year, one can't help but think of new beginnings, cool changes and clean slates. After all, the rest of the new year is yet to be written in the months to come. As 2011 begins to unfold right before your eyes, wouldn't it be nice to give yourself a personal assessment and see if there are areas in your life that need improvement? And if given a second chance, wouldn't you want to do something about it? Start the year right by giving yourself that much needed “upgrading!” Reinvention is the key to a better you this New Year. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish for yourself. Then make it your personal mission to finish it before the year ends. There is always room for personal growth, and by listing down your personal goals this New Year, you are already making the first step! Remember, your goals need not be so grand or overly ambitious. It can be simple and attainable. Below is a list of practical goals that can jumpstart your project reinvention. You can either use it as is or get inspiration from it when writing your own goals.

• READ MORE BOOKS
  When was the last time you read a book? If it has been ages, then better start catching up! The more books you read, the more exposed you are to varied information. Plus, reading books helps increase your vocabulary and sharpen your mind. If you do not know where to start, ask friends about their book lists. Surely, they have something to contribute to your must-read list. You can also visit a nearby bookstore and check out their best sellers. Start one book at a time. No need to pressure yourself in finishing a big number of books by the end of the year! The important thing here is for you to catch the habit of reading and finishing a book!

• START ON A NEW HOBBY
  Is there anything that you want to learn but seem to have no time to do it? Now's the right time to start on the project! Don't let that dream hobby of yours be just a figment of your imagination. Make it a reality by starting today. Learning something new allows you to stretch yourself in different aspects, whether physically, mentally or emotionally. If you're someone who wants to start on a new hobby but do not know where to start, here's a list of hobbies that you can explore:
  • Pottery
  • Dance
  • New sports like swimming and rock climbing
  • Learning to play an instrument like the guitar or piano
  • Cooking lessons
  • Learning a new language
  • Crafts like paper tole' and cross-stitching

• HAVE A WEEKLY EXERCISE ROUTINE
  Start the New Year right by being fit and healthy! Regular exercise can do wonders for you as it is proven to help reduce the risk of many undesirable health conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Every morning, take a few minutes to exercise. Start with easy routines then gradually introduce more difficult ones. You can also opt to jog or brisk walk around your neighborhood. Gather a few friends to be your jogging partners! Not only will you be doing something to help keep you healthy but you can also enjoy priceless bonding moments with your friends.

• NEW LOOK
  The fashion world has always created “a look for the season” that people follow. Why not borrow inspiration from this and create your own look or image for year 2011! Assess what image you want to project. Would you like to go edgy and mysterious or sunny and free-spirited? Whatever it is, it need not be complicated or drastic. Just enough for people to sit up and notice the new you!

• PURSUE YOUR PASSION
  Do you have dreams that have been kept hidden for quite some time? If you have one, start unleashing it by working on it right now. Who says you have to accomplish the whole thing this year? Some life dreams may take quite a while to get fulfilled so it's best to have a head start. If your dream entails studying, by all means start taking up classes related to it or begin reading about it or talk to people who are involved in it. Nurturing your dreams through these simple tasks are already steps to making them come true!

• SMILE MORE OFTEN!
  Who wants to be with someone who does not smile? Smiling not only makes you attractive and younger-looking, it has also been proven to have positive effects on your body! For one, it helps boost your immune system because you are more relaxed. Hence, a strong immune system can effectively guard you against flu and colds. Studies have also shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin. Together, these three make us feel good. So smile more often and infect others with that cheery disposition!