New Year, New Volunteer

The time has come that many of us will be making New Year’s Resolutions. Looking over the things we did not do so well at this year, and the things we want to improve on in the next, needn’t be disappointing or daunting if we plan ahead. Whether you want to get in shape (mentally or physically) or achieve a lifetime goal, volunteering could help you achieve and stick to your resolutions!

Psychologists say that you’re more likely to stick to your resolutions if you tell people about them and schedule the time to work on them. By volunteering you could use a regular time each week to work on your resolution by helping other people in your community. We also believe that you don’t have to volunteer just to help other people; Volunteering is really good for personal development giving you regular social contact with new people and increasing your self worth whilst also teaching you new skills.

To help you start your volunteering journey here are a few tips to help you:

Be specific about what you want to achieve and make it measurable – e.g Instead of saying ‘I resolve to be fitter’ promise yourself you will commit to regain your fitness by walking for 2.5hrs a week on Tuesdays and Fridays, for example.

Ascertain whether your resolutions are achievable – There’s no point pushing yourself into something you cannot possibly achieve, it will only make you feel worse and put you off doing anything. Make sure you DO have the time and resources available to achieve your resolutions. Work out how much spare time you have each week and only commit to using that time to volunteer.

Work on your resolutions with a friend – People are more likely to stick to their resolutions if they are working on them with a friend so you could try volunteering with someone you know.

Write down your goals – Writing down your goals will help you make a better connection between your thoughts and the things you actually do. Schedule your volunteering time into your diary and make it a real fixture in your life.

Be realistic about how long your goals will take to achieve – Both resolutions and volunteering take time to achieve results. Most volunteering roles take time to start because of CRB checks or training which have to be completed before you can begin. So don’t give up if you don’t get results straight away.

Celebrate your achievements  – Once you have passed a milestone and are starting to achieve your goals you should treat yourself in a way that doesn’t break your resolutions.

To find a volunteering role that will suit you and help you achieve your resolutions please click the link here