With the holiday season already upon us and the new year not-so-slowly approaching, many of us are spending time reflecting and reminiscing on the past year. Chances are that with that reflection comes the realization of our failed 2017 New Year's resolutions.
The tradition of the New Year's resolution provides us with the chance to go into the new year with a positive and determined attitude. The problem is that the issues we think we can "fix," with this traditional promise are often too extreme. Losing weight is a common one, but for those with a busy schedule, it's one that's often dropped within the first month.
Losing weight and making more money are simply unrealistic New Year's resolutions. For 2018, try making a simpler, more realistic resolutions.
1. Read more
Brilliant, entertaining books are released every day. Whether you can dedicate time to read one book a week or one book a month, make a resolution to read more. Entertain yourself, look up from your phone and learn a new word or two.
2. Write more
Journaling is the perfect way to get to know yourself and relieve stress. Dedicate one night a week to reflect with yourself and write down your thoughts. Learn more about the benefits of journaling here.
3. Be on time
Whether it's being on time for class or being on time with birthday gifts, dedicate your resolution to being more prepared this coming year.
4. Be more confident
Find confidence in yourself. It might not be as easy as it sounds, but at least make it your New Year's resolution to try to find some confidence. Write something, get to know your own thoughts. Find something you admire in yourself and recognize it.
5. Listen to more music
Try out a service like Pandora or Spotify and reignite your passion for music. Like books, new music is released every day. Sure, listen to that album you love, but branch out a bit.
6. Be More Polite
Dedicate some of your time to recognizing the things people do for you, and thank them for it.
7. Get more sleep
This is definitely more easily said than done, but it's a simple New Year's resolution. Time management is a skill that takes dedication to learn and stick with. Getting a good amount of sleep every night at a steady routine can change your mood, stress levels and physical/ mental health for the better.
8. Get rid of clutter
Get rid of the junk you've been hanging on to for so long. As clutter adds up, so does stress. Make it a priority to keep your like clean and clutter-free this year.
9. Start saving money
Opting to cook in one night a week can allow you to put back around $10 a week, adding up to $40 a month. Saving money is a smart move that will reap benefits that will last long past this year.
10. Volunteer more
Take one day or night a month and give back to those in your community. Learn more on how to give back here.
11. Get to know yourself
Spend time away from everyone else and reflect on who you are this year. Think about your strengths and admire them. Think about your weaknesses and ways to work on them.
12. Spend less time on social media
This year, spend less time connected to your phone and reflect on the importance of things outside the internet and social media.
13. Pay attention to what you eat
Sure, dropping 100 pounds in a year with a busy schedule and unhealthy habits is wishful, but it isn't realistic. Being knowledgeable about the food you're eating, paying attention to what you're putting into your body and cutting back on sugary and fatty foods is much more realistic.
14. Find more structure
Whether it's doing your laundry on the same night every week or waking up at the same time every day, make it a priority to find more structure this year.
15. Be conscious of others
The actions you take affect other people. Having your significant other in your room affects your roommate. A negative attitude affects the people around you. Being conscious of others and showing that respect makes you someone willing to be around.
16. Try new things
I don't mean skydiving or salsa dancing. Do something simple: pick a new restaurant, try a new brand of chocolate. Who knows, you might find something you love.
17. Let something go
Let go of that grudge or negative person in your life this New Year and go into 2018 with a clear mind.
18. See your resolution all the way through
These are really simple resolutions. See one through this year. Dedicate the time and *minimal* energy needed to see one through this year.
Try making a realistic New Year's resolution for 2018 and see if next year around this time you'll look back with pride in your success instead of with sorrow in your failure.
