I stood at a crosswalk in New York City, waiting for the stoplight to turn red so that I could run across the street. The air was abnormally comfortable for December—my hands outside of my raspberry pea coat’s pockets. No hat, mittens, or scarf were on, but I wasn’t shivering. I couldn’t see my own breath for once. The streets smelled of roasted nuts and cigarettes, the scent strong enough to ride up my nose and down my throat for an unpleasant, palpable taste. The subway rumbled the ground beneath my feet.
Despite the germs and smells, I’ve always looked for excuses to visit The Big Apple. Living no more than an hour away by train, I’ve been a common visitor. Something about the energy of the city excites me. It’s almost as if the lights of the digital billboards seep into my body, acting as a charger. Maybe that’s why I rarely lose energy to go on adventures in the city. The Big Apple is the place I go to to think. The opportunities look endless, and make me excited for what’s next in life. Where will I be? Where should I go? New York has never failed to offer me inspiration.
This time however, I was in New York City when I realized that the following day would be New Year’s Eve. For once in my life, I felt myself freeze in the city where no one stops.
“Wait, 2015 ends tomorrow night?” I asked myself. I had barely thought about my New Year’s resolutions, or reflected much on the past year. I didn’t give myself time to appreciate that in two more days, I could start anew. I blamed final exams for not letting my get into the spirit.
That night, my family and I got home around 9:00 p.m., and after I watched Star Wars Episode I for the first time (it was terrible), I crawled into my bed and finally gave myself time to pray and reflect on my goals for 2016. I thought about what went right, and what went wrong, and, most importantly, what I could do to fix the areas I had lacked in. It was then that I came up with my list. However, this isn’t about what my list entails, but something that will actually benefit you—what to think about in a New Year’s resolution list, and tips for making it the best year yet.
1) Be realistic.
It’s great to aim high, don’t get me wrong, but please remember that your goals will most likely take some time, especially goals such as finishing projects or getting into better shape. While most goals are possible, it’s good to think about them in advance, how you will accomplish your goals.
2) Step out of your comfort zone.
Have you been looking to travel but have barely left your area? Want to pick up a new hobby that you barely know anything about? Just go for it! Life is about learning…right?
3) Pair up with a friend.
Personal resolutions are obviously important, but it can also be fun to make one with a friend or two. If you and your buddies are involved in similar things, there is a good chance that they will have a similar goal as you.
4) That whole “eating healthier thing".
Just do it! Seriously, your body will thank you for it. Even if you’re a picky eater, just sit down and find a few things that you really like, and wouldn’t mind eating a lot. In fact, look at it this way; instead of saying, “stop eating junk food,” say “try some healthier options.” It sounds much less intimidating.
5) Remind yourself WHY you want to achieve something.
It’s incredibly easy to fall off track by spring when it comes to resolutions. To prevent this from happening, write down why you want to achieve your goals. Then, throughout the year, read your reasons. Sometimes when we get caught up with life, we forget. Keep yourself in that “New Year’s mood” all year round! Get that positivity and feeling of “a new beginning” lasting until the next New Year’s Eve.
6) If you mess up, don’t be hard on yourself.
Remember that achieving goals usually isn’t an easy ride. I’m not saying this to be discouraging, I’m being realistic. I hope that all you want to accomplish, you can do with as little “bumps” as possible. However, if you do fall off track, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Take a deep breath and re-focus on your goal. You CAN do it!
7) Try your best!
Sometimes we do really well with achieving our New Year’s resolutions…and sometimes they’re a flop! If you weren’t able to accomplish something, you can always shoot for next year. Just try your best. As corny as it sounds, Maybe you can accomplish part of your goal, which is better than nothing!
8) Positivity is key.
It’s difficult to get something done when you’re not in the right mindset. It’s important to start every day on a positive note, as much as possible. When you wake up, read an inspiring quote that can help you get through the day. Another option is to help out other people. It’s amazing how good it feels to help out someone else, and if you have a few bad days, just remember that there’s always a chance for things to improve.
