As 2016 comes to a close, everyone is thinking about what they are going to do to make 2017 better than the past year. As you have probably experienced, New Year's resolutions are rarely kept but this year I have thought of some realistic and easy resolutions to make your 2017 a spectacular year. So here is a list of resolutions actually worth keeping hat you'll want to keep this year, pick and choose a few or do them all and make 2017 unforgettable!
1. Do more of what makes you happy.
As young adults, busy with college or careers, it can sometimes be hard to dedicate time to do things that we enjoy, but this year plan on making more time for those things. Whether they're hobbies you left in the past or little things like cozying up with a book once in a while, make time for them! Life is too short to not do the things you love.
2. Don't let anyone make you feel inferior.
No matter what you do or what your passion is, don't let anyone tell you it's not worth it. Whatever you are doing now or have planned for your future has a purpose and is just as important as anyone else's plans. Don't let other people's opinions lessen your love for whatever you do and don't let anyone make you feel as though you are beneath them in smarts, worth, etc.
3. Say "yes" more often.
In the coming year I challenge you to say "yes" more often. Say "yes" to going on more adventures and doing things that scare you. Say "yes" to trying new things and being bold and outgoing. You will regret the things you turn down and say "no" to. As young adults we are presented with so many amazing opportunities, so this year say "yes" more and see where the opportunities can take you.
4. Nap more.
This is a resolution I think everyone can get behind. Napping is an important key part of college life that I fully support. Napping helps you reenergize without drinking a ton of caffeine all day and can help you stay awake and more focused in your classes. After an early morning class or after classes all together take a short nap without worry of judgement, you will feel 10x better, more awake and ready to take on the rest of your day after some shut eye.
5. Spend more time with family and friends.
My family and friends have always been important to me but this year I truly felt the importance of both groups in my life. I've learned to not take anyone for granted and to not waste time with people I love because eventually they'll be gone. I went through some hard times in 2016 and my friends were there for me every time I needed a shoulder to cry on or a person to talk to. So in 2017 don't take your family or friends for granted. Spend as much time with them as possible and make sure to stay in contact with even those who live hundreds of miles away because without them it would be impossible to get by.
6. Put in more effort.
Whether you got all A's or all C's in your past semesters, make the semesters in 2017 your best yet. No matter what classes you're taking, put in the max amount of effort you can and do as best you can to get the grades you dream of. With some hard work, determination and focus you can reach the GPA you've always wanted. You can do it!
7. Save a little better.
As college students, being poor and barely being able to afford the bare essentials is sometimes a reality, so this year save up some money from either your seasonal jobs or allowance from your parents and don't just blow it all in a few days. Set some money aside for a rainy day or for when you really want/need something in the future so you don't end up with just $3.00 in your bank account.
8. Stay healthy.
This isn't the typical diet or go to the gym resolution everyone makes but then gives up a week in. Do go to the gym a few times a week if possible, drink more water and try to eat more healthy, balanced meals but also treat yo' self once in a while. Sometimes school work and exams can come before health in college, but take time in your day to work on not only your physical but also mental health because both are key factors in living a happy life.
9. Make a bucket list and start crossing things off.
As young adults it's important to have aspirations and goals in life and what better way to keep track of them then by keeping a bucket list. Write down everything you want to accomplish either in a year, 5 years or even your whole life. Write down everything, from the most absurd and unrealistic to the most simplest thing you want to accomplish and start doing them. Do as many as you can and cross them off your list one by one. It helps you set goals and actually accomplish them in whatever time period you set.
10. Make 2017 unforgettable.
Don't waste 2017. Make tons of memories and have a good time. Go on adventures, make new friends, have fun! You have a whole 365 days ahead of you, make them count, make 2017 unforgettable, take tons of photos, write in a journal, find any way you can to make 2017 an amazing year.
