As 2018 approaches, I have been thinking of some New Year's resolutions for myself. I found myself only thinking about things that would affect my physical appearance. And yes, eating better and working out more are perfectly fine goals and necessary to maintain a healthy life, but I should not be doing them just for the sake of vanity.
So this year, my new goals are going to be about becoming a better person, friend, family member, citizen, and student, not just dropping a pant size or two.
If you are like me and want to work on yourself and not just your body, here are 10 New Year's resolutions to consider.
1. Do what is right, not just what is easy
I fundamentally believe that we all know deep down what the right thing to do is most of the time. It is easy to ignore our instincts and not speak up or act out when we know we should. This year, let's listen to that gut feeling.
2. Consider all sides
It's no secret that every issue today has become so polarized that we no longer know how to talk to other people who might not agree with us. I believe that this is keeping America from finding reasonable compromises to our problems. In 2018, I urge all of us to remain patient and remember to listen to our neighbors; they might surprise you.
3. Remember your environmental impact
Regardless of your stance on climate change, it is vital that every person remains conscious of their environmental footprint. You would be shocked by the sheer amount of waste you produce every single day. Bring reusable water bottles to work and school, stop using straws, take public transportation. Be kind to our planet; it's the only one we have.
4. Stay in touch
Remember your cousin in Oklahoma and your friend in New York? Give them a call! Thanks to social media it is easier to keep in touch than ever before. Rekindling relationships with loved ones is always rewarding.
5. Explore your city
I find that we often stick to our usual commutes and rarely deviate. Take the chance to try new restaurants, go to a local sports game, shop at different stores. Make 2018 the year that you get to know your home.
6. Read!
Books are good for the brain and the spirit. There are few other activities that allow you to learn and escape the way that reading does. Instead of scrolling through your Instagram after getting in bed at night, start reading. You'll be glad you did.
7. Participate in the Arts
You don't have to be Picasso to enjoy a trip to a museum or the theater. Creation and expression are such essential parts of the human condition. Even if you do not consider yourself an artsy person, there is still so much to learn and enjoy from the work of others.
8. Put yourself out there
Whether its finally asking that cute guy in your math class out or making a new friend at the office, it's high time to reach out. Forming new relationships is a fantastic start to the new year.
9. Embrace change
The world is changing every second of every day and it's magnificent. Refusing to change with it will make you bitter and frustrated. Get excited about all the changes 2018 will bring and change with them.
10. Enjoy it
The 80's legend Mr. Ferris Bueller once said "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Wise words, Ferris. Enjoy your new year.