As each year passes, there are more things to look forward to in your life. Some people may wish for money, love, or happiness this year. It's important to remember what really matters as far as New Year's resolutions go.
1. Commitment
There's a lot you can commit to in the new year, whether it's a new relationship, being active, getting more involved in the community, finding a hobby, learning a new and useful skill, and so on. Most of the time people talk about making full-year resolutions, but more often than not these seem to fall through by the end of January. If you try treating these more as commitments, then you'd be more likely to continue and succeed in the goals you've set for yourself. Another way of making these commitments easier to accomplish is if you set mini-goals throughout the year. If you really want to start going to the gym and losing weight, then tell yourself you need to go to the gym three times a week and lose 10 pounds by the end of the month. But don't forget, you really have to commit, not just make a resolution.
3. First Impressions
Not many people think about first impressions as something to look forward to in the new year, but regardless of whether you acknowledge it or not, first impressions mean everything. You've heard the quote before: "New year, new me"; well, now it's time you take that into real consideration because it is a new year and you can be anyone you want. All you have to do is decide on the type of person you want to be. Helpful? Brave? Honorable? Relentless? You can become these people, and remember it starts with a first impression. However you introduce yourself and act from that point on will define you, so go ahead and be the next inspiration and role model to other individuals.
4. Letting Go
There are a lot of things like people, jobs, money, etc., that could have held you back last year and caused you to be unhappy. This is a brand-new year, though, and just as Elsa said in "Frozen," it's time to "let it go." Don't let these factors carry on into the new year and weigh you down; if you're miserable at you current job, quit and find a new one. Does your ex keep toying with your heart and stringing you along? Then cut him or her out of your life once and for all. If money has always been an issue for you, stop revolving your life around it and focus on more important things, like your friends and family. There is no need to let certain things in your life hold you back anymore, so raise up that anchor and sail away.
5. Growing Up
Your parents have raved about this since you could understand what growing up actually meant. Whether you're graduating from high school or college, moving out, or applying for a more permanent job, it's safe to say that you can look forward to growing up in the new year. Of course there's a mess of emotions going on, where you're excited but terrified at the same time; however, growing up is inevitable. Each day you take one step closer to living the fabulous life of an an adult, so why not take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. This is the time for you to mold the life you want to live and really impact your future. You're not a kid anymore, and although you may miss having zero responsibilities, growing up is definitely something to look forward to in the new year.
Some people may look at this past year as a sad reminder that you didn't accomplish everything you may have wanted to. But there's a new year where you have the opportunity to make something of yourself, so why not take advantage? Cheers to the new year, and hello 2016!
