Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

How to Have a Mannerly and Abundant New Year

03 Jan 2019 By: Diane Gottsman

It’s that time of year! Everyone is starting out fresh and with a new outlook.

How to Have a Mannerly and Abundant New Year

I went to the gym this weekend and did something completely counter-productive. While people were signing up for the new year, I was in the same line, waiting to cancel my membership to the gym. It was a little embarrassing to say it out loud while people were around me were committing to a healthier, happier self. I’m not NOT working out – I’m just not going to spend money on a place I don’t go, in hopes someday I will eventually use their machines. I felt good knowing I was saving money on a monthly fee I don’t benefit from using, while promising myself I will walk more, treadmill with zeal at home and eat healthier. Sans the gym membership fee!

There is something we all can add or take out of our life that will cost little and make our life better. The key is finding what works specifically for you.

Here are a few of my 2019 suggestions – not resolutions but simply thoughts to get your juices flowing.

  1. Take turns hosting Sunday brunch with your friends
  2. Go on a nature walk for the pure joy of the experience
  3. Buy an inexpensive body wash and use it daily
  4. Ban social media in bed
  5. Buy quality coffee and make it at home
  6. Splurge on your favorite creamer
  7. Allow others to help you when you need it
  8. Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  9. Make time to build relationships with people you value
  10. Be as honest as possible without being hurtful
  11. Set healthy limits for your children
  12. Create a trustworthy circle of friends
  13. Floss your teeth (and learn the dance step!)
  14. Listen to podcasts which empower you
  15. Push yourself to be braver, stronger and more resilient
  16. Drink more water
  17. Clean out your inbox
  18. Organize your photos – digital and hard copies
  19. Unsubscribe from all junk emails as soon as they come in
  20. Unfollow people on social media who don’t engage with you or add value to your life
  21. Sign up for an exercise class you are afraid of trying
  22. Compliment three people per day
  23. Eliminate toxins in your body and your life
  24. Smile more often
  25. Refrain from making snarky comments
  26. Find a word you want to be described as and start working on it
  27. Visit an art gallery or new exhibit monthly
  28. Create an inspiration Pinterest board
  29. Say yes more often
  30. Freshen up your look
  31. Repurpose or donate excess clothing in your closet
  32. Jump rope for fun
  33. Give someone a break
  34. Host an afternoon tea
  35. Watch an old black and white movie
  36. Wear sunscreen daily
  37. Get a massage on a regular basis
  38. Buy a travel journal and start making plans
  39. Stick to a budget
  40. Create a workout playlist
  41. Don’t feel guilty for saying “no, thank you”
  42. Open your windows and breathe in the fresh air
  43. Clean out your makeup drawer
  44. Organize your medicine cabinet and dispose of old meds
  45. Cook a weekly (healthy) pot of soup
  46. Read a book – old or new and share it with a friend
  47. Speak only abundance over yourself and others
  48. Ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt
  49. Learn how to properly breathe for optimum health
  50. Paint your door a fun color
  51. Go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out
  52. Have a small birthday celebration for an elderly neighbor
  53. Use your crockpot and learn a few new recipes
  54. Dream bigger than you are comfortable
  55. Say your prayers and trust everything works for your highest good
  56. Invest in a comfy pair of house slippers and pamper your tired feet
  57. Buy a pretty nightgown (or lingerie) and wear it without needing a special occasion
  58. Schedule your annual doctor’s appointments
  59. Replace batteries and burned out light bulbs
  60. Check your fire alarms
  61. Don’t gossip
  62. Fail proudly knowing you have learned valuable lessons
  63. Let go
  64. Rotate your tires and put a new air freshener in your car
  65. Take a drive to the nearest beach
  66. Get enough sleep
  67. Be a mentor to someone in your industry
  68. Volunteer your time
  69. Be gentle with your heart
  70. Believe you are enough

You may also like Hit the Reset Button. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.