7 Ways I'll Become Mentally Stronger In 2018
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Ways I'll Become Mentally Stronger In 2018

New year, new psyche.

503
7 Ways I'll Become Mentally Stronger In 2018
pxhere

I'm the first one to roll my eyes when somebody shoots off the "new year, new me" mantra. It's cliche, first of all, and it actually doesn't help anybody get anything done. I'm all for positive reinforcement, but "new year, new me" isn't specific enough.

We can't just say "new year, new me" and then be new people, guys. We need a plan.

In 2018, I'm going to focus on becoming mentally strong. When I say 'mentally strong', I'm saying I want to develop a mentality that will allow me to build an aura of confidence and conquer the world. Well, at least, my own world. One step at a time, right?

And one thing I'm not going to do is just say, "new year, new me." I have a plan, so let's do this. Here's how I'm going to become a mentally strong, confident being in 2018. Please, feel free to take the journey with me.



1. I'll remember that it's okay to put myself first.










It's not okay to be an inherently selfish person, but it's okay to be a tiny bit selfish, sometimes. In 2018, I'm going to be out here taking care of myself, even when I have a lot to do, or there's a lot of pressing matters at hand. No more neglecting myself. I am my own first priority from now on.


2. I'll put only good things in my body.











Recently, I stopped taking most of my medications. This was especially tough with my Xanax prescription - I've had to learn to deal with anxiety in healthier ways, and I'm still learning.

The human body isn't meant to be loaded up with all those chemicals. I'm not just talking about artificial medicines - junk food, preservatives, etc. None of that is good for you, and it's not going to help you become the best you.

I may be on a journey to mental strength, but being physically healthy is one of the first steps on that path. They don't say "healthy body, healthy mind" for nothing. I don't care if I lose weight or get abs this year, but I do care that I stop pumping my body full of unnatural substances. Drink water, take vitamins, and watch how your mental function improves.


3. I'll learn the art of acceptance.


There's a reason why Mark Manson's The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is the #1 best-selling book on Amazon. I'm going to learn to differentiate between what matters and what doesn't. Spoiler alert: a lot of things aren't going to matter.

Let things go. Go with the flow. Don't let trivial shit deter you; that's only going to take your eyes off the prize.


4. I'll stay organized and focused.


An organized mind is an efficient mind. In general, if I become more efficient, I'll become more productive. Personally, I love that feeling when all my ducks are in a row and I've accomplished everything I needed to do. I want to live my whole life that way. I'll probably start a bullet journal, invest in a good dry-erase calendar, pay close attention to deadlines, and get some great color-coding pens.


5. Meditate daily.


I did learn the practice of meditation in 2017, and I did occasionally meditate when I was feeling anxious or overwhelmed. In 2018, I'm going to take it to the next level and meditate daily to clear my thoughts, improve my focus, and promote general mindfulness. There's a bunch of great, easy meditation apps you can download right to your phone, like Simple Habit and Calm. They're definitely worth a try.


6. Don't overload.


This goes hand-in-hand with steps 1 and 3. I'm going to take care of myself, and learn to accept things. As a prime example, I know that taking 5 classes is too much for me. I'm going to take 4 instead. I'd rather get 4 great grades than 5 okayish grades, and I'd rather be organized than overwhelmed.

Know your limits and respect them.


7. Look forward to the future.


Looking forward to the future always keeps me focused on my goals. I want to be a homeowner. I want to have a successful career. I want to get married. I want to be financially secure. I want to raise a family.

I won't be in college forever, but what I do in college will affect how I live the rest of my life. No better time to start preparing for my future.


These are the aspects of my mental strength that I want to improve over the course of the next year. I have a lot on my plate, and I need a mindset that will allow me to conquer my biggest goals. Through becoming physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually strong, I will get there in no time.

Here's to #2018 and being our best selves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58744
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?

37885
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.

959435
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
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194913
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments