Each year the same "New Year's Resolutions" arise: lose weight, get straight A's, eat healthier, get a boyfriend/girlfriend, and the list goes on. While it's always good to challenge yourself, sometimes resolutions (such as these ones) are not always the most practical. They require huge lifestyle changes that take time, and so often we think we can change ourselves overnight. Because we do not see change automatically, we get discouraged. We drop the resolutions we made when we realize how much hard work is involved.
Let's change that this year. Let's make 2016 the year of kept resolutions. How can we do that? you ask... Well, why not try choosing resolutions that are practical. Make small changes to your everyday life that will eventually result in bigger lifestyle changes. Here are a few practical New Years resolutions that we can all actually accomplish in this new year.
1. Take Better Care Of Yourself
This resolution involves something much deeper than just a number on a scale or how many bottles of water you drink every day. It involves you evaluating yourself - physically, mentally, and emotionally -- to determine the areas in which you are lacking. College students know better than anyone how stressful life can be, and if you're anything like me, 2015 took a huge toll on my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With 2016 just begging, take a look at yourself and decide how you can better take care of yourself. Resolve to go to bed earlier or to have a more structured schedule. Just those two things can provide you with better health and increased productivity. You'll create new habits and a new lifestyle, ultimately resulting in an incredible year for you.
2. Seize The Day!
So it's cliche, but don't tune out just yet. Take just a moment to stop and think about the depth of this statement: Seize. The. Day. What would your year look like if you just stopped and smelled the roses? If you took each day for what it was and embrace it wholeheartedly? The good days would be treasured and appreciated, rather than being overlooked and taken for granted; and the unavoidable bad days would be seen as lessons and teaching moments, as opposed to discouragements and failures. Make this the year that you seize each and every memory, opportunity, and moment. Each day has the ability to be the next best day of your life - all you have to do is pay attention to the things happening around you and make everything you see and do and experience something important.
3. Be Confident In Who You Are And What You Want.
If your 2015 was plagued with the toxicity of bad relationships or friendships, let this be the year that you learn to embrace who you are and don't back down from the things you want in life. There is no room for toxic people in your life. In order to be comfortable, focused, and accomplished, you need to know that you have the right to your own life - that includes making your own decisions on who you hang out with, what you do with your time, and where you want to be in the future. If there's one thing you should walk into this new year knowing, it is that it's okay to say no. No one can make you do anything or spend time with anyone that you do not want to do, and you need to know that you don't have to feel back about that. Be wise in choosing who you spend time with. Make friends that will stick by you no matter what and will support you in all your endeavors. Your life in 2016 will look dramatically different when you start standing up for yourself and spending time with people who truly care about you.
Let joy become your priority. Live life fully and embrace each moment. Happy 2016!
