There are so many things to look forward to in a new year: a fresh start, a time to reinvent yourself, a chance to try something that you've never done before, an opportunity to become your best self. Starting on Jan. 1, most Americans will make a New Year's resolution, most of them being related to eating healthier or working out more. How long do they stick with their resolutions? Maybe the first month or so -- max, and then they forget about it for the rest of the year only to have the same resolution the following year. It's an endless cycle of the same old, same old and that's not putting you in a better place.
If you want to make an actual resolution that you will stick to, it needs to be something that you can see will make you happier, and make you reflect on who you used to be and where you are now. The key to this is your mindset.
Anyone can say they'll lose some weight or be a nicer person, but do they actually believe they can do it? It's important to set your goals high and challenge yourself, but it's also crucial to be realistic with yourself and what you think is appropriate for where you are at in time.
When I was a freshman in college two years ago, I promised myself I would take more risks and step out of my comfort zone because I had clear evidence from my first semester of playing everything so safe and being afraid to try new things. I knew that I didn't want to have that happen for the second semester so I really made a conscious effort to make the most out of my time at college because I knew I would regret it if I didn't. I surrounded myself with the right people and sometimes that's just the little bit of extra push you need to step towards your resolutions and goals. My mindset completely changed because I felt it deep down that who I was first semester was not who I wanted to be for the second.
If you don't truly believe there is room for change or an adjustment to your lifestyle, it won't happen. You want to lose 10 pounds, but you don't have the right mindset to stay motivated to hit the gym and eat right? It might be tough to achieve that goal. It's an unexplainable desire that you need to really believe you can achieve because you know you will be a better version of yourself. The best goals we make for ourselves are the ones we can see ourselves accomplishing, and the ones that truly will bring out the best in us. Those are the types of resolutions we should be making for 2016. Change your mindset, and go for the gold because you know you can reach a better you in a year's time, and beyond.
