Hello everyone! Not sure how it happened, but we are on day 2 of 2017. 2016 had its ups and downs but now it's time to embrace the new year. So, how many of you made a new year's resolution? Well, I'm not going to sit here and tell you all about how you shouldn't make resolutions you can't keep, and most people quit their resolutions by March and blah blah blah. What I will say is that I am proud of each and every one of you for picking something in your life that you are not particularly happy about and choosing to do something to change it. That takes guts! So here's the deal, you've made your resolutions now you need to make sure you stick with them and follow through on them throughout the year. I have a few tips for you on how to keep your new years resolutions and hopefully they will make it easier for you to follow through.
First, make sure your resolution isn't broad. For example, "I want to lose weight" or "I will lose 25 pounds by December" are pretty broad. I can already see myself hit the ground running in January, lose a few pounds, give up by February, and then try to make up for it at the end of November or just decide to try again next year. (No, I'm not speaking from experience....OK maybe I am.)
Instead, try to make your resolution as specific as possible. For example, my resolution for last year was to work out at least three times a week. I made a plan that involved working out in the morning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, because I only had two classes on those days, and choosing another day every week that best fit my schedule. Of course there were times where I missed a workout, but this schedule let me keep track of my progress and let me make up for any missed workouts during the next week. Needless to say, I lost a lot of weight in 2016 because of this method.
Second, if you stray from your goals for a bit don't just give up. Suppose you completely forget to follow through on your resolution for a few weeks or even a month or two. Maybe you went on vacation and didn't feel like taking your resolution with you. It's OK it's never too late to get back on track. By the end of the year you will feel so proud of yourself knowing that you made a true effort to follow through on your resolution throughout the year, even if you hit a few road blocks along the way.
This last tip is probably the most important. Make sure your resolution is something that will make you happy. Don't choose your resolution based on what other people are doing or what other people will want you to do. Choose your resolution with your happiness and well-being in mind.
Finally, here is a feasible list of resolutions that you can consider if you have not chosen one already or if you want to modify yours a bit:
- Be a nicer person. Say at least one nice thing to someone else everyday (or at least twice a week)
- Be healthier. Swap out one of your usual unhealthy snacks or meals for one healthy one at least once a day. Every week, swap out more unhealthy snacks/meals until your diet consists primarily of healthy foods.
- Set aside at least one hour of "me" time everyday. This resolution is specifically for workaholics who refuse to slow down. Make time for yourself, especially on your busiest days, to relax and unwind a little. Watch your favorite TV show or read a chapter of your favorite book.
- Call your parents. In the midst of all of your important documents, meetings, classes, and binge watching netflix don't forget to make time for your family. Set aside 30 minutes every week to talk to your close family members.
- Unplug from social media. Limit your social media usage to a specific amount of time every day, and use your extra free time to pick up a new hobby.
This list is obviously not your conventional list of resolutions, but it is one that can be extremely useful to lead a happier healthier life both physically and emotionally.
I hope this was helpful to you all. Will you be modifying your New Year's resolutions? Do you have any techniques that have helped you accomplish your resolutions in previous years? If so, comment below and let me know.
Until then, see you next time! And I hope you all have a wonderful 2017!
