With 2015 on its way out, it’s easy to start looking forward to what we want to accomplish in 2016. But before you end up with an ill-fitting, un-completable resolution, take a moment to move through the following steps. They’re geared specifically toward finding you a resolution that is just the right size and shape for you — so you’ll be passionate and ready to get going in 2016!
1. Prioritize: What is the most important part of your life right now?
We tend to compartmentalize our lives. We think in terms of classes, social lives, health & fitness regimes, career choices, etc. By spending time thinking about which of these sectors is most important to you, you’ll be more prepared to dedicate your time to goals set in that part of your life. If you know that your grades are the most important part of your life right now, aim for that boost to your cumulative GPA. If you're more devoted to fitness, perhaps setting goals in terms of physical speed or strength makes more sense.
2. Dream big: What have you always wanted to do?
This is the time to look forward— all the way forward. If you could do anything, what would it be? Make a list of everything you really want to accomplish, and figure out what you could do to take steps toward those goals. Now hold on to that because, as you already know, it’s usually not quite realistic to make your resolution your life goal.
3. Remember your limits: How much can you devote to this goal?
Once you've allowed yourself to dream for a bit, it's time to reapply reality to the situation: How much time will you have to devote to your resolution? Will it take any money? How about the help of others? Considering these factors in advance will free you up as you get ready to actually accomplish whatever you set out to do in 2016.
4. Look back: What did you accomplish in the last year?
Bill Gates has said, “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” Don’t be one of these people. Instead, figure out how much you can actually accomplish in 2016 by looking at what you already accomplished in 2015. If you were only making $200/month at your crappy campus job in 2015, it's unlikely that you'll be able to save up $10,000 by the end of 2016. If you let your past inform your present, you'll be much more informed about what is possible in the future.
5. Make it visible: How will you keep this goal in mind?
I suggest writing it down and taping it to your mirror, or creating smaller goals that you put in your planner. The more you remind yourself of the path you want to be on, the less likely you are to stray from it. So find little ways of reminding your future self of what you said you'd do all the way back on New Year's.
6. Prioritize Again: Remember that you are more important than your goals.
No matter how much care you take in creating your resolutions this year, remember that they don't necessarily define you. Just because you want to accomplish something in terms of your career goals or academic life doesn't mean that you should forgo the other aspects of your life. You're a whole person, not just a few boxes to check off on an application or several neat rows of text on a resume. Don't reduce yourself to your goals -- rather, use them to rejuvenate and inspire you.
