We hear it time and time again: “This year is going to be different.” People make promises to themselves, these “New Year Resolutions,” that last a mere month or so before completely being pushed to the background. I am definitely one of these people, and my New Year’s Resolution is for that to change. You can achieve your resolutions, however, with the right amount of planning and dedication. Below are the most common resolutions I've heard and how you can work to achieve these throughout 2017.
1. “I want to be healthier.”
This is possibly the most common resolution I have heard, year after year. People want to lose x amount of weight or to eat healthier or run more. The list goes on and on, but the problem most people have is that they aren’t specific enough. What does “be healthier” mean, exactly? It varies by person. Maybe being healthier to you means partaking in Meatless Mondays, while to another person it means visiting the gym at least three times a week. A major key to achieving these New Year’s Resolutions are writing down a specific resolution, instead of the general “get healthier.” Make a note to yourself with the extreme specifics of how you are going to get healthier, and maybe this will help you achieve it.
2. “I want to make more money.”
Don’t we all? It’s definitely possible, though. You could have more money accessible even if you will make the same income in 2017 as you did in 2016. The key to this one is to budget, budget, budget. If you don’t budget, you’re losing money to unknown places and you cannot pinpoint problems. By creating and following a budget, you can easily see your trouble spots (such as going out to eat or hitting up Starbucks one too many times) and cut back on expenses. This leaves you with more money than you had before, even though your income may not have necessarily increased. Aside from this, spend less and save more. Cut back on expenses and maybe one day you’ll peak into your savings account and see a large amount of money, free to do whatever you choose with.
3. “I want to get better grades.”
Alright, you caught me. This is definitely one of my main resolutions. Again, be specific. What is “better grades” to you? A 3.0 GPA? A 4.0? Write down your 2017 goal in your planner where you keep lists of your assignments so you see it each time you sit down to do your homework. Spend more time in the library instead of sitting with friends while doing homework. One extra hour dedicated to studying each day could mean a world of difference for your GPA. Getting better grades doesn't mean cutting out your social life, but it could mean cutting back. Do you really need to go out one a Tuesday night if you know you have a big test on Wednesday? Think through all of your decisions, and remember that you'll still have a chance to go out on the weekend. Figure out what works for you and make a specific, written plan.
4. “I want to help others more.”
Good for you, you’re already on the right track! Having this mindset will propel you into your first project. First, pick something you have a passion for and it’ll be easier to keep up the habit throughout the New Year. Do you really love kids? Volunteer at your local school district to help tutor children. Do you love making connections with the elderly? Check out nursing homes and see their volunteering options. Have a little money lying around? Donate it to a cause you feel strongly for. There are so many to choose from, though St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital is one of my personal favorites.
5. “I want to be a better me.”
BE POSITIVE. I cannot stress this enough with any of your goals you set for yourself. See yourself in a more positive light from the very first day of 2017. Don’t focus on your negatives, but don’t ignore them either. Balance is extremely important. Instead of beating yourself up when you miss one of your goals or trips up a little, think of one good thing and one thing you can improve about yourself. Example: “I messed up on x, but I’ve done a great job doing x.” You are amazing how you are already, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve yourself here and there. Remain positive throughout the year and you can truly accomplish anything.
