It's that time of year again -- everyone decides, "new year, new me," "I'm going to the gym every day," or, "I'm going to Australia this spring break," and, "I'm going to have a perfect mindset." This is the year of *insert name here.
I love resolutions, but you're probably not going to have enough money to book a flight for two months from today. Sorry. You're never going to feel like all the uncertainty in life is gone.
But New Year's resolutions aren't all bad. Here are 16 resolutions that are realistic and definitely attainable.
1. Make this a year of "yes."
Once again, you're never going to feel perfectly in touch with yourself. However, I have found that saying yes to big and small opportunities is an effective way to learn new lessons. Already this year I've made decisions I would never have made a year ago, like going to the ball drop in Times Square. Saying yes, even if you're a little bit scared, is one way to achieve that kind of certainty so few people seem to have. You don't even have to say yes to big things -- say yes to waking up an hour earlier to just think, say yes to taking that yoga class you've always been scared to try, say yes to reading that long novel. You'll thank yourself later.
2. Make health goals that fit in with your current lifestyle.
Unless you're training for the summer Olympics, you're probably not actually going to be able to make yourself go to the gym every day. But that doesn't mean you can't make this your healthiest year yet! Running an extra half mile, eating things in moderation and setting little challenges throughout the year are all little ways that you can feel a lot better.
3. Love where you are today.
Maybe for you, this is a weird kind of off year with no obvious changes on the horizon. If you are anything like me, this scares you more than anything else. I've always loved change but sometimes slow seasons help you really notice what's going on around you. It sounds cliche, but you are where you are now for a reason.
4. Look around.
All too often we forget how other people around us might be feeling. Even having a short conversation with someone can make their day. Being aware of those around you will make your year and the years of those around you so much better.
5. Keep a daily journal.
You probably won't be able to write ten pages every day, but simply writing a short memory or sentence of something that made you happy will make you see the value of each and every day.
6. Travel.
Like I said, paying for a plane ticket to go halfway around the world may not be realistic at the point you're at in life. However, even a weekend camping trip or a stay somewhere nearby with friends will make lasting memories that you'll be so happy you saved up for.
7. Be forgiving.
Every relationship has hard phases and if last year was one of those, reevaluate it. If it's worth working through, talk it out, then don't look back. Holding grudges will only make life harder.
8. Work hard at whatever it is you do for a living.
Whether you are working or studying, it isn't unrealistic to aim higher this year. There's always room to grow.
9. Think.
Oftentimes we forget how powerful taking out time to just think can be. Sitting and letting your mind take its course is always a good idea.
10. Be Optimistic.
This is one resolution that doesn't have to be modified at all, yet it's something we forget all the time. It doesn't make you stupid or unrealistic to see a bright side to a hard situation.
11. Trust your gut.
At the beginning of the year, we think all about what to do to fit in and be as close to perfect as we can be. In reality, making smart decisions and trusting what we know is right will make this year the best one yet.
12. Make goals for each month.
If you are following a list of personal goals, each season may bring new setbacks to following them. Writing a short list of specific, personal goals for each month is an effective way to keep the New Year's spirit going all year long.
13. Change your routine.
Read a chapter of a book every morning, make a new dish once a week, write a letter to someone you haven't spoken to in a while once a month. Adding something new to the mix can make this new year worthwhile and exciting.
14. Invest in things that will really help you feel better.
My personal indulgence? School supplies. Having cute notebooks and an organized planner keeps me on top of it all semester long. Everyone has their things they're willing to spend a little more money on to feel their best, and that's perfectly fine if you keep it in check!
15. Look back from time to time.
Even though it's a new year, last year's memories can still teach you valuable lessons. Never forget what led you to the place you are today.
16. Have fun!
Whether this is your college graduation year or you are suffering from a serious case of the sophomore slump, there are always new people to meet and new things to do all around you. Never forget that having fun is important!