If you're anything like me, you've never been one to take New Year's resolutions seriously. I would always make something up last-minute just to say I had a resolution. It would be something like be more organized or don't procrastinate. Regardless of what I would say, I would completely forget about it within a week or two.
2016 will be different, though.
About two weeks before New Year's Eve I sat and actually thought where I want to be in a year's time. Where I want to be emotionally, physically, education-wise, relationship-wise, and so on and so forth. I also reflected on what 2015 had brought me, and it was an okay year. For me, it brought many ups and downs. I had completed my first year of college, something I never thought I would do, and branched out to a whole new level. It also brought much anxiety with some difficult medical problems toward the second half of the year.
Through these reflections, I made the decision that 2016 will be a year focused on me. The first time you hear or say that it may sound selfish. Once you think about it, though, being a 20-year-old who has a very narrow window-frame until the "real world" sets in, I need to know who I am and who I want to be before time runs out. I deserve this year to focus on myself.
I won't spend these next 300-some days doing whatever I want. That's not the type of focus I mean. What I will do is focus on what will make me the best person I can be. For me, focusing on my mental and physical health is what will push me over the edge from surviving to striving in my 20s.
Mentally, I will learn to combat stress in a much healthier way. I will get more than four hours of sleep a night. I will also know when to say enough is enough and be able to put down my textbook and pick up the book I've been wanting to read.
Physically, I will walk the walk instead of talking the talk when it comes to getting in shape. I will find a diet and workout regimen that won't feel like pulling teeth. I will stick with this plan even when I feel exhausted or stressed out. I will not give up if I have a bad week.
In 2016, I will look and feel the best I ever have.
So, for all of you who may be like me and don't see why you need a New Year's resolution, or for anyone who hasn't been able to decide on your resolution -- take this challenge with me: the challenge to be the best you can be. No matter what will make you the best, no matter how big or small the change may be, make 2016 about you.
