With the New Year right around the corner, it’s time to make those ever-helpful resolutions. Take the time to sit down and reflect on the past year and, before you set those resolutions in stone, take a look at this list for some pointers and advice.
1. Hit the gym
You knew this one was going to be first so let’s just get it out of the way: don’t do this. Don’t promise yourself this.
Wait a few months into the New Year for you to neglect your other resolutions first, and then make a work-out schedule that fits with your current lifestyle. Get some friends together to motivate one another or go by yourself.
But please don’t make the irrational decision to change your entire way of living on December 31st and, if you do, don’t beat yourself up too much about it if you can’t stick to it.
2. Start a diet
My advice to you is to make it a gradual change. Look up some recipes that still taste great and work your way off the junk food. It’s also much easier to find healthy things that you enjoy when you are cooking it yourself because you can cater to your own taste.
So put down the fatty snacks and look up some low-calorie dishes that you can make quickly and easily. Discover what you do and don’t like and I can promise you that foods you have never tried will quickly become your favorites.
3. Stop procrastinating
Me giving advice regarding procrastination is a bit hypocritical but I can tell you what sometimes helps me. If you are having a hard time sitting down and doing you work, try to remember why you are working in the first place. What motivated you to get this far in your academics and what are you striving for?
4. Get organized
This means different things to different people. Like the gym or a diet, organization doesn’t happen overnight. Try a few methods and find what works. Highlighters, sticky notes, calendars, or phone apps are all great tools to help you remember assignments or deadlines.
But remember to start this earlier in the semester rather than later because once the snowball start to roll down the hill, it’s hard to catch it and get organized.
5. Save money
This can be very difficult for some people due to bills, rent, or financial student needs but there are usually some purchases that are more frugal than necessary. For unnecessary purchases, I have a tip that I use every time I shop.
Make sure you absolutely love it in the store before you buy it. Shops are set up to advertise their merchandise in the best possible way and if you aren’t thrilled with it in the store, odds are you are going to take it home, maybe wear it once, and then throw it in the back of your closet.
6. Be a better person
Telling yourself you’re going to be a better person and actually being a better person are two very different things. I am, obviously, in support of people bettering themselves but if you make this resolution for yourself, remember that just saying it doesn’t make it so.
The best way I can advise you in regard to this resolution is just to reiterate the golden rule: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
7. Learn to juggle
This is one that I make almost every year and, at the age of twenty, still have not accomplished. I have no advice regarding this topic but here’s to 2018, hopefully the Year of Juggling!
If you had a great year, I hope you have an even better 2018. And if 2017 wasn't the best year for you, may 2018 be better!