Let's be real, how many New Year's Resolutions have any of us kept completely? Well, I don't know about you but the number is very low for me. What's worse is that I go into these resolutions with the mindset I will abide by them one hundred percent just to realize I have already broken it. I have a feeling this line out the door of the gym the first week back at college will not last long.
But I think the real reason we are not keeping these resolutions are not because we are weak or lazy. It is because we are setting expectations way to high for ourselves!
"I am going to the gym five days a week and working out for three hours minimum."
"I literally will only eat green vegetables this year...maybe some carrots."
"I am going to get an A on every single assignment this semester."
"While being perfect, I am going to go out every night and have the time of my life."
Now these are slightly extreme, but I have heard very similar resolutions already. The issue here is we fully expect ourselves to do these for the entire year. Then the second we break, we just give it up altogether and there goes any chance we had at a slight improvement in the new year.
I think the secret, though it may seem obvious, is create more doable resolutions. Look at your life and see what you genuinely need to improve on and where you feel you should start. Do not take on what can take months to develop. Go to the gym once a week, then if you can do more, add another day and another. Look at your diet and see where your downfall is. Cut that out and try to find healthier replacements. A salad once every few days is actually pretty good. Take all your classes and time into consideration and aim to "do your best", even if that means not getting an A on every quiz. Go out with the expectation to have fun but maybe not the time of your life. Take it easy and try to make some time for yourself. You will need time to clear your mind.
Lastly, taking on five hundred New Year's Resolutions does not tend to end in success. Rather, do one or two. This way, when you accomplish what you said, you can feel so proud and happy.
