Every year around this time, we all start hearing an influx of the worst resolutions that people have for the New Year. When we hear them, we're almost positive that by next year nothing will have changed. We're all guilty of doing this:
I'm going to start going to the gym more often, like five days a week.
I'm going to live life to the fullest.
I'm going to drink less.
I'm going to get myself out of the sea of debt I'm currently drowning in.
I'm going to ask out that guy that's constantly been helping me retrieve items off of the high shelves at Wal-Mart every time I go.
Just like everyone else, I roll my eyes at these. I mean, how often do you actually hear about people following through with them? By February 1st, most people are saying, "I'll try again next year." The cheer of the holidays has died down by then and people have simply stopped caring. The motivation is completely gone.
The worst part comes in when we make excuses as to why we can't fulfill them.
I have a ton of school work today, so instead I'll go to the gym tomorrow. (No you won't.)
I'm young and who cares if I want to sit on the couch instead of doing something memorable with my day, anyway. It's my life. (You definitelycare, but It's okay. I really don't blame you.)
I had a rough day, so one drink won't hurt me. (Five drinks later...)
And don't we all look pretty dumb by the end of the year when we return home to family and friends and we all secretly remember each other's resolutions? Of course, no one says anything though, because that would be pretty awkward. We all know they didn't happen.
Here's some advice: Don't set any New Year's resolutions. Don't do it. It's a trap.
They're complete bogus. Personally, I don't feel as if I am going to wake up on January 1st, look in the mirror and think "I am a brand new person." The New Year is NOT a fresh start. In fact, the mistakes you made last year are still there, and so are everybody else's. (Sorry for the wake-up call.)
Instead of using that mindset to get through seeing your family and the people from your hometown around the holidays, set some realistic goals that aren't time-sensitive to the New Year. Don't let that be your base for these changes. After all, life is owning up to your mistakes, enjoying your triumphs, and moving forward with all of that baggage. The thing is, we all have that baggage. Don't be ashamed of it. Own it, and do something to change it if you don't like it. Only you have the power to do so.
Why wait until January 1st when you can start now?
