Every new year I read lists of “x things to do this new year” or “the new person you need to be this new year”, but this year I’ve seen a lot of articles on why new year's resolutions will fail you or why you should ditch new year’s resolutions.
When this past year hasn’t turned out to be the best, you can’t help but think, maybe it is true. I mean, I never follow my resolutions. I actually don’t even know what my resolutions were for 2015
But being the idealist I am, I will be the one to say, trying to make changes in my life never hurt me, so why not? Whether it's a new year or a random month, it's never too late to make changes
This new year I’ve decided to ditch the “workout more” or “eat healthier” resolutions and instead focus on three resolutions that seem realistic for me.
1. Journal more
My friend and I started a Tumblr for ourselves this year to keep each other updated even though we are at different schools, 600 miles apart. We write about what we’ve done that day, how we felt, revelations we’ve had etc.
This helps me be more aware of my days, live in the moment, instead of forgetting everything I do the minute after I do it.
So for 2016, journal more. Remember what you did during the day, how it made you feel, what made you smile, what made you sad? Remember each moment and Live in the moment.
2. Read the news
I always thought I lived in a bubble because I lived in a nice, safe, suburban neighborhood where nothing horrible happens. But this year I realized it’s not about where I live or who I’m surrounded by but it’s really all on how well I keep up with what is going on in our world, and to be honest, I don’t keep up with the politics. I don’t keep up with global news.
Make 2016 the year you get yourself out of the little bubble you create for yourself and be more aware and knowledgeable on what is going on in the world
3. Spend less time on social media
If you know me, you know that I have weeks where I will stop going on all social media. I will deactivate my Facebook, delete my Instagram app from my phone, get someone to change my Tumblr password. This is because I found that being on Social Media is what fuels my procrastination.
But let’s be real. It’s 2016 and social media is a huge aspect of our world and it’s difficult to completely detach from social media.
So instead of completely detaching, stop defining yourself and painting a picture of your life through social media. Stop taking pictures and doing things for social media.
It’s a new year and never too late to make changes! As difficult as 2015 might have been for you, put aside what doesn’t make you better. Put aside the failed resolutions of every year. Put aside your self criticisms and embrace this new beginning. Who knows? Maybe you will surprise yourself this new year.
