With the end of each year comes the start of a new one. After making it through the celebrations and parties on New Year's Eve, I find it extremely important to sit back on New Year's Day to reflect on the previous year and how I as an individual can make my life even better for the one to come. As 20-somethings, we are at this peak moment in our lives where anything and everything is possible. The world is yours...if you take advantage of it. These are some new year's resolutions I believe all of us should remember as we enter 2016.
1. Reconnect with old friends, and make the effort to meet new ones.
In our 20's, we are constantly exposed to new people. You are at college, you study abroad, you get internships, you move to a big city, you start entering the real world. You are always meeting new people. Make the effort to get to know someone new. Expand your network. Do not remain with the same group you had in college for the rest of your life. Make the effort to reconnect with the old friends. I'm not saying you have to go back to your high school days and hit up your old friend group that you have barely spoken to since graduating. Reconnect with those that made a valuable impact on your life. It is so easy to get out of touch with these individuals but we must keep them in our lives. If you met someone at summer camp one year or attended a conference where you met someone you clicked with, start reconnecting with them again. And keep consistent with that!
2. Tell people "thank you."
Even if it's just because. I would not be the person I am today without my friends, and I want to make sure I thank them more often. If someone does something wonderful for you, tell them! Write them a note and leave it in their mailbox. There is nothing more meaningful than having someone come up to you to let you know they cherish your friendship or how you made a difference in their lives. A handwritten note is only an added bonus. Make it a goal to write a thank you note to someone once a month this year and give back.
3. Educate yourself on the 2016 Presidential Election.
We are in an age where our world is ever-changing. This isn't the same place it was when we were 5 years old, and it won't be when we're 30. Educate yourself on this election and what each politician stands for. Know the facts and watch the debates from both parties, regardless of your political affiliation. Do your research and do not skip out on voting in this election (or any). For some of us, this could be your first time you have the opportunity to vote. Make an educated decision for yourself.
4. Be a "doer" and not a "sayer."
We all have big dreams. Instead of saying you want to go after that leadership position, that internship, or applying for that grant, DO IT! Stop telling yourself it can wait. We've got one life to live, so take advantage of every moment.
5. Read more books.
Plain and simple. Whether you love or hate reading, you should make it an individual goal to read a certain amount of books this year. It is one of the best ways to educate yourself. There are so many amazing reads out there that you'd be missing out if you spend all of 2016 Netflix binging on One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl over and over again in your free time.
6. Spend a little, save a little, give a little.
You are in your 20's, so it's okay to have fun. Just be smart with your money. You're reaching a point where you need to start making a budget with your earnings. When you graduate from college, you're on your own. When you have that first job living in that tiny apartment, you will thank yourself for saving up to live somewhere bigger and better in the years to come. Only spend on the things you need. Skip the weekly (or maybe even daily) Starbucks and McDonald's diet cokes. Don't buy 10 things from that amazing online sale. Treat yourself once a week to a Starbucks and maybe invest in a high-quality pair of boots that will last you a lifetime instead of the 10 shirts that will wear out after a couple months. And lastly, give to others. Donate to your favorite charity or give to your church several times this year. It doesn't have to be a lot, but it's important to give back.
7. Dress up and show up.
We get it, 8 a.m's are not fun. It's annoying to have your parents nag you to get out bed when you're home for breaks. You may really dislike your co-workers at your first job. Regardless of how you greet your day each morning, pull yourself together and dress like you're the boss. We all have our lazy days, but every day shouldn't be your "lazy day." Ditch the daily sweatshirt and legging combo for something nicer. Look presentable to the world, because you never know who you will run into or what opportunities the day will bring. What if you meet someone who can offer you an amazing job opportunity? I know I'd definitely regret the messy bun and legging look if that's how I chose to present myself that day.
8. Perfect your resume and get that LinkedIn profile updated.
It is officially internship season. Get your resume in tip-top shape and update it with all of the wonderful things you accomplished in 2015. With that being said, get on that LinkedIn profile as well to make the same changes. If you don't have one, get one. It is a great way to network and to keep in contact with individuals from previous internships (who may even lead you to your future career).
Now, the key is stick to all of these throughout the year! So many of us are guilty of not staying true to our resolutions or forgetting about them once mid-February rolls around. In order to remember them, write all of them down and stick them somewhere you'll see every day.
Whether it be on a post-it note in your office or at your desk, on your bathroom mirror, or on a bookmark, put it somewhere you will always have it. Make an inspiration board that has photos/quotes/individuals on it who inspire you to achieve your goals. Regardless, stick to them this year and make it the best one for yourself yet.
