Each year we make resolutions to ourselves of unrealistic expectations. We expect ourselves to eat like a nutritionist would expect us to do, workout 3-5 days a week, shrink two sizes by the time February comes around, and other hopes we have. We make a list of things we want to change about ourselves, but in reality, by February 1, those goals are over. We should be making realistic goals for ourselves.
We should have goals of being healthier. Instead of forcing ourselves off the fried chicken train, we should occasionally have that one day you eat fried chicken. Eating healthy does not mean having to cut out those chips, soda, or cupcakes you enjoy from your favorite bakery. Fill your body will nutritious foods, it will make you feel like a new person. Eat something healthy that your body will thank you in a few years.
The goal of working out should not be something you fear. Exercising has been proven to be a great stress reliever. When school or work starts back after a long break from Christmas, going to the gym after a long day will help. The thought of going to the gym should not be an addition of stress for yourself. Become a healthier version of yourself than you were in the previous year.
Most people have a goal of having a better attitude for the year. Take each day one day at a time. We should work on being a better person for ourselves and others we surround ourselves with. We should want to be a better version of ourselves than we were the day before. You should want to be the best version of yourself.
We should want to become a better student. Study more, party less. Focus more on our education than other things that take our focus away. We should want to study more and aim for higher grades. Put more hours in study hall and less at the bar.
Another goal we should have is to build better friendships with people. We should want to be there for our friends, roommates, significant others, parents, siblings, or peers. We don't always want to be there for people but sometimes you need to be there. Be that person for somebody else. Be the Meredith Grey for Christina Yang.
A person cannot change overnight, it takes time. People use the excuse, "I will start doing that on January 1." I will make that my New Year's resolution. Stop making excuses that can be something that will make you a better person. Give yourself a goal that is actually realistic. It is easier and more realistic to maintain your goal if it is reachable. Don't tell yourself that you will lose 30 pounds by February 1 on January 1. New Year's Resolutions are ridiculous, nobody will remember their original goals in July. Make a goal or goals for yourself that will make a better version of yourself than you were the previous year.
