2015 is almost over. In just two weeks, it’ll be 2016. A new year. A new beginning. And as part of this new beginning, many people make New Years’ resolutions. Some popular ones include losing weight, quitting smoking, finding love, or getting better grades. But my question is this: why do we feel like we have to wait until New Year’s to make changes in our lives? The answer is simple: we don’t have to wait until New Year’s. We can make changes in our lives no matter what time of year it is. So this year, my resolution will be to not make a resolution.
For most of my life, I made New Years’ resolutions every year. I didn’t really know why I was doing it; only that it was a tradition and the trendy thing to do. As a kid I would resolve to get better at sports, or better at math, or little things like that. As I got older, my resolutions got more challenging: pass my drivers’ test on the first try, get a boyfriend, and overcome my shyness. Other than passing my driving test on the first try, none of those resolutions came to pass. And when they didn’t come to pass, I felt like I’d wasted my entire year.
Then I went to college, and it was a totally different world. Unlike in high school, I was encouraged to think critically and question the world around me. And it made me think: why do we set such high standards for ourselves when it comes to New Years’ resolutions? For that matter, why do we feel like we need to make New Years’ resolutions? Why not just work on our goals all year round?
For 2016, my resolution is not to make a specific resolution. Instead, I’m just going to live my life to the fullest and do my best in all areas of my life. If I get all A’s, great. If not, I’m not going to get upset over a B. If I find love, great. If not, I’ll just enjoy chilling with my friends and family and catching up on movies.
Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s a great idea to set goals for yourself. But we also need to be realistic and not beat ourselves up if we don’t accomplish our New Years’ resolutions. Instead of making one resolution at the start of a new year, set smaller, more manageable goals for yourself throughout the year. That’s my goal for 2016. What are yours?
