A non-fiction article by Shayne McClendon.

Around this time, the expectation for you to set goals for the coming year is incredibly high. New Year’s resolutions have a long (and often frustrating) history.

Here is a list of the most popular resolutions made at the end of every calendar year. They’re also the ones that most often remain unfulfilled.

1. Start working out
2. Improve nutrition
3. Save money and work down debt
4. Travel
5. Lower stress
6. Decrease alcohol consumption
7. Quit smoking
8. Spend more quality time with family
9. Volunteer
10. Take up a new hobby or go back to school

These are valid goals, certainly. Any of them have the potential to better your life and the lives of those around you. If you’re a person who makes New Year’s resolutions, you’re probably a person who shares them with friends or family.

That’s your first step to making sure you don’t complete them.

Read more now: Should You Make New Year’s Resolutions? 

A non-fiction article by Shayne McClendon.

This time of year, many people celebrate with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. People you haven’t seen in a while, experiences unique to the holiday season, and an over-abundance of food you might not normally eat.

It’s important to have a plan before you get to work in your kitchen, arrive at the home of someone with a table piled with an assortment of dishes that tempt the pallet (and the belly), or step into “unavoidable” interactions with people you might not even like.

Read more now: Stay Healthy During the Holidays: Healthy Thanksgiving Tips

A non-fiction article by Shayne McClendon.

When you pass into middle age, it can sometimes feel as if your best years are behind you. You might even doubt that finding happiness (if you still seek it) is possible.

“Youth is wasted on the young.” Ted Cook

Those of us in the older generations are labeled as stodgy, boring, and bitter. Our opinions (even among the darling boys and girls we raise ourselves) are easily swept aside with phrases that include some real winners.

“That’s old-fashioned.” “Things aren’t like that anymore.” And my personal favorite, “If you were my age, you’d get it.”

Ah, the hubris of fledgling humans who always know better – and more – than those of us well past the bloom of youth.

Read more now: Living Life After 40 – Finding Happiness and Satisfaction

A non-fiction article by Shayne McClendon.

It’s rare that outside stress (from sources not linked to family, friends, jobs, health, or finances) has affected me so strongly.

Right now, the general state of the world is giving me fits. I’m struggling to calm anxiety that every news cycle seems to ratchet up beyond bearing.

Recently, I mentioned that the political insanity alone would leave us all with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Every day is a little more sensational than the one before it and if you value your peace of mind at all, do not read the comment threads!

I started thinking severe anxiety caused by the news might not be so far-fetched.

Read more now: How to Calm Anxiety, Deal with Stress and Save Your Sanity