Like I'm sure many of you do, I have a long list of New Year's Resolutions with goals I want to add to my lifestyle. This is the first year I decided to seriously look at some of the things that may be holding me back from achieving all of the goals on my list. Here are 18 things I need to stop doing in 2018 if I ever want my New Year's Resolutions to succeed.
1. Spend time on people who don't actually care.
In 2017 I had a lot of friends I couldn't really rely on. I found myself chasing people around and putting in extra time, only to have these people toss me to the side if something better came along. Not anymore.
2. Worry about the opinions of others.
The list of projects and goals I've made for myself is too long for me to keep tiptoeing around what is 'normal'. If I have to lie in the middle of the street to get the perfect picture, or dress up for class because it makes me feel productive, it's about damn time I do it.
3. Engage in arguments on social media.
I have never been one to pick fights with people, so this was never an issue for me in the first place. With that said, I have witnessed many social media battles and they tear apart friends and families. I'm completely in support of standing up for your personal opinions, but do your research and don't insult people.
4. Let negative people impact my mindset.
There is so much opportunity to absorb negativity. People like to complain, I'll even admit that I myself am guilty of it. In 2018 I am going to try not to let the negativity of others become food for my own. There are so many positive moments in every single day, it's just about finding the right things to focus on.
5. Spend a bunch of money on food.
This may be easier said than done. It's so easy to grab food downtown, or order delivery when the weather is horrible. If you're in college, like I am, you probably already pay for a meal plan. Use it.
6. Say no to new experiences.
Obviously this excludes anything that might be unsafe or against my own personal values, but for the most part I want 2018 to be the year of 'yes'. Yes I will go to that house party. Yes I will come with you to study at the library. Yes I will volunteer at that soup kitchen with you. Just Yes.
7. Waste my time.
Everyone needs a break to relax once in a while, but mindlessly watching hours of a new show that you don't even like that much is a waste of time. I will still need my time to relax, I just want to spend it doing things that are more engaging instead of mindlessly staring at screens.
8. Go to class looking like a mess.
I don't care if I was up all night, or if I'm completely exhausted. I will be up, showered, and looking good at a reasonable time every day. When I look good I feel good, and when I feel good I get sh*t done. Sweats and a ponytail aren't gonna cut it if I want to be productive.
9. Start reading books I will never finish.
I've made it about half-way through most of the books on my bookshelf. Let's make 2018 the year of actually finishing books.
10. Put my dreams on pause.
I have so many goals for myself. Some are very attainable, others are not so much. Regardless, I tend to find excuses. Sometimes it's because the chance of success is slim, sometimes I don't really know where to start, and sometimes I just don't feel like dealing with it. I need to keep telling myself that there might be a slim chance of success, but if I never start trying there will definitely be 0% chance of achieving my dreams.
11. Dwell on the past.
I've been through some stuff, everyone has. It's time I leave the past where it belongs. Live for now, work for the future, and dream for forever.
12. Criticize myself.
You are always your own worst critic, I know I am. You don't have to be perfect. Sometimes you just have to accept that you did the best you can. I want to spend less time nitpicking at my flaws and more time emphasizing what I'm proud of.
13. Stay up on my phone all night.
What starts with watching a few videos can quickly turn into a "Carpool Karaoke" marathon. Enforcing a phone curfew would make a huge difference. It can't keep you up all night if it's turned off by 11.
14. Let my room explode.
Again, I'm pretty guilty with this one. My room can get messy quickly, but when my room is a mess so is my thought process. Nothing makes me feel less productive than a messy room. 10 or 15 minutes can make a significant difference, that's about the length of a single YouTube video. Let's make it happen people.
15. Let fear win.
Doing things you aren't used to can be scary, but it can also help you grow. I've often been scared to go to events alone, to start conversations with strangers, to speak up in class, or to take a chance on an opportunity that may or may not work out. Hopefully 2018 will be the year I can push myself to take more chances and face the things that make me nervous or uncomfortable.
16. Forget important dates.
I have never been, and probably never will be, a numbers person. However, it's a little ridiculous that I find myself so frequently relying on social media to remind me of important dates. I want to start keeping track of these on a calendar or something. No more dates will be sneaking up on me in 2018.
17. Go to bed with makeup on.
Nobody's skin deserves that, just take it off. I know my skin is angry enough without me letting piles of makeup seep into my pores.
18. Try to please everyone.
Everyone always expects different things from you. You can't make everyone happy all the time. I've tried, it's exhausting and it doesn't work. Considering others can be a really good things, but not when it runs your life. 2018 is the year to put yourself first. If you're pleased with yourself then you've probably done alright.
Happy New Year everyone, I hope it will be everything you planned it would be!