The new year is a time for self reflection for a lot of people and therefore a time for changes. Instead of thinking of a resolution to focus on I like to think of a list of goals that I hope to achieve or at least work on in the new year. I'm hoping that 2017 will be filled with blessings and happiness but I know that these things don't happen overnight and definitely not without work, so here are 17 goals for 2017.
1. Let go of negativity
Whether it's negative thoughts, negative people or negative experiences it's important not to hold onto anything with negative energy. This is something I've been working on and will continue to work on in 2017.
2. Take better care of my skin
While I do wash and moisturize my face at least once a day I'd like to get myself into a more complete routine.
3. Learn more about how to budget
2016 marked the first time that I was away from home and therefore also the first time that I paid for pretty much everything myself. While I managed okay, learning to create and stick to a reasonable budget will help me a lot.
4. Prioritize sleeping
As a college student it can be easy to put off sleep for various reasons whether it's homework, hanging out with friends or just wanting time to relax after a long day. However, in 2017 I hope to regulate my sleep cycle and make sleep more of a priority.
5. Spend less money on coffee
If you know me you know that I love coffee, especially a good latte. However, I know that coffee is one area that I spend more than I should and in 2017 I'd like to try and change that.
6. Improve my time management
One of the most stressful parts of being in college is trying to find a time for everything. There are a lot of different responsibilities to juggle between school, work and extra curriculars and finding a time for everything, while also taking time to relax and have fun, can be hard.
7. Stick to a calendar/planner system
This is something I've always struggled with. I start the year off strong with planning out what I need to do and organization but as time goes on I tend to forget.
8. Take my vitamins
For the past year I've had a container of vitamins sitting on my shelf that I more often than not forget to take.
9. Read more
I've loved reading ever since I was a kid, but it can be easy to forget to pick up books now a days when binge watching is so much easier. However, I miss reading and it's something I want to get back to this year.
10. Reflect more
I think self reflection is a necessary step to improvement and that's why in 2017 I want to focus more on reflection. It can be easy to get caught up in every day life and forget to do this.
11. Be more appreciative
Similar to above, it can be easy to forget how lucky you are when you get caught up in every day life. In 2017 I hope to take more time to think about and appreciate everything I have.
12. Learn to pay more attention
Whether in class, walking around campus or just going about my day I have a tendency to zone out sometimes. This is something I'd like to work to improve in the new year.
13. Enjoy the present
It can be easy to focus so much on what you want in the future or what has happened in the past that you don't enjoy the moment you're in now.
14. Meditate
Meditation is something I've always enjoyed but rarely find time for.
15. Get up earlier
I hate waking up, especially early, but I recognize the importance of getting the day started earlier.
16. Be more outspoken
While those who know me may think that I already am, there's definitely still room to grow here. There's many topics that I have no problem sharing my thoughts on but there's also many topics that I recognize I should talk about more.
17. Write more
While I do write every week here for The Odyssey that's pretty much all the writing I've been doing lately. I would like to get back into journaling at the very least in 2017.
