It's 2016, and everyone is in the midst of making or trying to stick to their New Years' Resolutions. There's nothing wrong with pledging to lose weight or actually using the gym membership you pay for every month, but those New Year's Resolutions are so overused and so vague that they rarely succeed. Here's the New Year's Resolutions we should be making for a happy, healthy, positive 2016!
1. Be an Informed voter this Year.
Despite the neverending list of candidates, 2016 is the year that we get to pick the next president, and a democracy doesn't work if people don't use the voice they have. Don't be that person that relies on hearing who their friends are voting for to pick their candidate. Watch the debates, and actually go to the polls on voting day. Voters aged 18-24 are the least likely age group to vote, but their vote has a great impact on election day results.
2. Spend More Time Outside
Spending more time with nature is a great way to refresh your mind and gain more Vitamin D. It gets us out from in front of the TV or cooped up on the couch. Besides, exercising outside is a refreshing change from the gym! Try spending at least 20 minutes a day outside, whether that means taking a refreshing walk during lunchtime or enjoying an outdoor sport.
3. Strive to Be Your Own Inspiration
Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it should most definitely come from within. As self-centered as this sounds, it's important to create your own path. Remember that confidence is the key to success, and you don't have to live in anyone's shadow. Of course, look up to others and have role models, but don't be afraid to be your own inspiration!
4. Volunteer More
Choose a cause you're passionate about and advocate for it. Giving back is a great way to remind yourself of all you have to be grateful for. Volunteering can also help dictate a career path. Finding an organization that aligns with your college major or career goals is a great way to see if the field is perfect for you! Not sure what organization to support? Try VolunteerMatch , which matches potential volunteers with a cause they're passionate about.
5. Celebrate Yourself
According to Vox Magazine, 5 million college students are struggling with mental health. While the causes of these struggles vary greatly, some of the key reasons are social media and the increasing pressure to be perfect. Celebrate your accomplishments, your personality, and who you're becoming. Make sure to be surrounded by only those who deserve your company, always reaffirm yourself, and to get any help you need.
6. Stop Accepting Less than You Deserve
You know you deserve better, but regardless, you accept a salary you know you should make more than, accept that grade you know you should have done better on, accept an apology from someone who you know will treat you badly. Make 2016 the year of refusing to settle. Don't be afraid to let go of something toxic to make room for something amazing.
7. Get Organized!
No better time than the start of the year to tidy up and try to stay organized. Little things, like keeping a planner, cleaning out your inbox, or tidying up your desk can go a long way. It also helps getting rid of old things that you don't need anymore so it's really out with the old, in with the new.
8. Keep Up With Current Events
There's nothing more awkward than being the only person in the room that doesn't know what's going on. Keeping up with current events always gives you a conversation starter. In our age of globalization, events going on in the world matter to virtually every industry. Be sure to get daily email updates from the New York Times or Skimm!
9. Unplug
Make more use of face time, and NOT FaceTime for iPhones. Make it a priority to talk in-person to the people you love and care about. Sure, you can wish them a quick happy birthday on Facebook or like all their Instagram posts, but it really means something to sit down and talk to someone. Pledge to unplug more often this year, and spend time in-person with the people you care about.
10. Keep a Journal
Document your memories, your successes, and your failures. It doesn't matter if you have pages to write, or just a sentence a day. It will give you a release, but also give you a chance to document your growth. According to a Huffington Post article , keeping a journal builds self-confidence and builds intelligence. A the end of the year, look back on all that you've accomplished!
11. Don't Overcommit
Learn to say no when you need to, whether to a relationship or job opportunity. There's nothing harder than saying no to a new opportunity, even if it costs you your peace of mind. Remember that you need to set aside time for yourself and prioritize the things that matter most to you. Keeping a planner or putting together a to-do list is a great way to make sure you don't double or triple-book yourself.
12. Stop Talking About People
Gossip might seem fun, but what's the cost? No one likes the person who only has negative things to say about other people. Shift focus from talking about people to talking about ideas, concepts, and opinions.
13. Make a Positive Change Every Month
Go after that risk you've been dying to take, whether it's applying to your dream job or internship, or picking up a new sport. They don't have to be drastic changes, but by changing a little thing every month, you're on your way to be the best version of yourself.
14. Make a Reading List
You know those books you've always wanted to read? Make an effort to read a little bit each night and try dozing off to a good book instead of watching TV. Check out the Independent's suggestion of books to read in 2016 for ideas!
15. Make the Spiritual Connection You've Been Trying to Make
The Resolution carries on from year to year, I'll go to church more, I'll pray every day. Make a tangible commitment and stick with it. Whether you're exploring what faith or path works for you, or reaffirming your faith, see how you can grow as a person by connecting with something greater.
16. Stop Being Negative
Seeing things in a positive light benefits everything you do. Cut out negativity and stop putting yourself down. Replace thoughts of fear, anger, and regret with hope, love, and kindness. Thinking positively means focusing on your end goal, rather than on the obstacles that might come up along the way.
