We're nearing the end of 2016, which has been objectively a disastrous year, and the time is coming to prepare to make 2017 a success. I think we all deserve a shot at a better new year, so hopefully a resolution can be a starting point into a positive 365 days. Everyone has already heard the usual, "Pick something reasonable" and "Pick something that you can actually complete", kind of advice. I thought some more central elements may also help in choosing a resolution.
1. Pick Something That (Really) Matters
When making yourself a 2017 promise, choose something that is going to be of value to you in the future. Pick something you can look back on with pride and feel was worth your time and energy. No one can tell what will or won’t be rewarding for you down the line. I might laugh if you told me your New Year's resolution was to get, like, crazy awesome at darts, but maybe that’s something you really, really care about. Don’t dismiss any passions, big or small. Some people make huge academic or professional resolutions, while others just want to finish that stupid scarf they started knitting the summer before 8th grade. Whatever you choose, be sure it will be of real value to you! Otherwise, don’t waste your time.
2. Pick Something That You Can Share
I think working towards goals if more fun if you’re working with other people. If you want to get in better shape, find yourself a 2017 gym buddy. If you want to be a better reader, join a book club. Working with someone holds you accountable to keep up with the goals you set, so you don’t feel like you’re alone. You get a built-in cheerleader if you work with friends. And if you make a goal that helps someone else like doing charity work, helping a friend out with their goals, or being a better friend/partner/family member, you make the end result even sweeter for everyone. Not only are you bettering yourself, but you’re also making the world better for people around you.
3. Pick Something That Will Bring You Joy
This is more like, DON’T pick something that will make you miserable. If you hate running, don’t promise yourself that you’ll run every morning. Pick something that is better suited to you, so you can actually follow through. Try dancing or lifting weights every day instead of running. If working on your goal becomes this horrible, burdensome task then you’re going to end up abandoning the project and feeling bad that you weren’t able to achieve what you set out to do. For example, I want to clean my room more consistently. If I just tell myself to shut up and clean once a week, I will absolutely ignore it and let my goal go. Instead, I have to find a fun way to clean or a way to create incenstive for completing the task. Just make sure that, even if your goal is hard, you find ways to make it fun.
