How To Successfully Set A New Year's Resolution
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How To Successfully Set A New Year's Resolution

2017 is your year.

4
How To Successfully Set A New Year's Resolution
Pexels

Believe it or not, the New Year will start in just a few days. That means that you only have a short time to set those New Year's Resolutions! Most of us set up our resolutions with the best intentions, yet somehow manage to fall off the bandwagon after just a few weeks. Whether your goal is to get in shape, become more organized, or save up for a concert, this easy, step-by-step guide will help you set and keep your resolutions this upcoming year.

Step 1: Reflection


Reflect on your past year. What did you do well this year, what could use some improvement? Think about all areas of your life, from relationships to your physical self. When you've come up with areas that you can improve on, build your resolutions from this area. Feel like you could spend more time with your friends rather than binge watching Netflix? Set a social resolution. Wish you would have hit the gym more than once a week this year? Set a fitness resolution. Any area in which you want to see improvement can be made into a resolution.

Step 2: Create Your Resolution(s)

This step is very important. I would recommend not creating more than 3 resolutions, otherwise you might become overwhelmed. Set specific, realistic goals for yourself. Instead of saying "this year I am going to lose weight," say, "In 2016, my goal is to lose 15 pounds by July 31st." This way, you have a specific goal to work towards, instead of just a general direction. Write your resolution(s) down in a place that you will look at often, like a in planner, on a post it note on your bathroom mirror, or on a paper on the fridge.

Step 3: Create a Plan

The most essential piece to meeting your resolution is setting up the pathway that can get you to your goal. If your goal is to lose 15 pounds by July 31st, think of the best possible plan to get you there. Join a gym. Buy books on meal planning. Research the healthiest foods to eat. Make a fitness board on Pintrest. Write down anything that you think will help you reach your goals, and then put it all in a planner or journal.

Step 4: Work Towards Your Goals

Now that you have prepared everything you need to meet your resolution, it's time to walk the walk. Follow the plan that you've made. Keep track of progress in your planner or journal. Give yourself updates and encouragement. If you fall off the bandwagon a bit, it's OK, just keep moving forward. Remember why you started this journey. Before you know it, you will have met your goal.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

63188
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

41402
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

961976
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments