How To Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

How To Make Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

Actually accomplish your resolutions this year
Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy Feb 13, 2017
1
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With 2016 gone, it's time that your New Year's Resolutions start sinking in. For me, every year begins the same routine: I write out my resolutions, secretly knowing I'll accomplish maybe two of them. However, I'm trying a different approach this year. For 2017, I actually want to accomplish my resolutions and put in the work to make them happen.

Before you even start writing out your resolutions, really think about them. Are your goals attainable? Instead of giving yourself a tremendous task, start with small steps. Therefore, if you get discouraged that you didn't get your bikini body by spring break, you have a break down of how to continue pursuing your goal. If your goal is to lose weight, use an app that tracks your weight and nutrition so you can visualize your progress over time.

If your goals are financial, use an app like Mint to track your spending. If you are looking to save money and not tracking your spending, how will you ever know how to cut back? Spend less money going out to eat and learn how to cook for yourself. Also, sell some of your old clothes to stores like Buffalo Exchange. It's a great way to de-clutter your closet and make some extra cash.

You won't be able to reach your goal the first day. Especially if you want to lose weight, progress takes place over time. Build up your workouts gradually and before you know it, you'll be running a 5k.

Lastly, embrace your new lifestyle. By sticking to your old routine, you won't be allowing your goals into your life. Be willing to change the schedule of your day to allow in more time to exercise, read, meditate, etc. This time is an investment in your goals, but more importantly, yourself.

So get out there and pursue your New Year's Resolutions! Next thing you know, you'll be looking back at the end of 2017, thankful that you worked so hard.

Cover Image Credit: henry4school
Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy Feb 13, 2017
At Southern Methodist University

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8 Struggles Of Being 21 And Looking 12

The struggle is real, my friends.
Jenna Collins
Jenna Collins Feb 13, 2017
13508
views

“You'll appreciate it when you're older." Do you know how many times my mom has told me this? Too many to count. Every time I complain about looking young that is the response I get. I know she's right, I will love looking young when I'm in my 40s. However, looking young is a real struggle in your 20s. Here's what we have to deal with:

1. Everyone thinks your younger sister or brother is the older one.

True story: someone actually thought my younger sister was my mom once. I've really gotten used to this but it still sucks.

2. You ALWAYS get carded.

Every. Single. Time. Since I know I look young, I never even bothered with a fake ID my first couple of years of college because I knew it would never work. If I'm being completely honest, I was nervous when I turned 21 that the bartender would think my real driver's license was a fake.

3. People look at your driver's license for an awkward amount of time.

So no one has actually thought my real driver's license is fake but that doesn't stop them from doing a double take and giving me *that look.* The look that says, “Wow, you don't look that old." And sometimes people will just flat out say that. The best part is this doesn't just happen when you're purchasing alcohol. This has happened to me at the movie theater.

SEE ALSO: 10 Things People Who Look 12 Hate Hearing

4. People will give you *that look* when they see you drinking alcohol.

You just want to turn around and scream “I'M 21, IT'S LEGAL. STOP JUDGING ME."

5. People are shocked to find out you're in college.

If I had a dollar for every time someone had a shocked expression on their face after I told them I'm a junior in college I could pay off all of my student loan debt. It's funny because when random people ask me how school is going, I pretty much assume they think I'm in high school and the shocked look on their face when I start to talk about my college classes confirms I'm right.

6. For some reason wearing your hair in a ponytail makes you look younger.

I don't understand this one but it's true. Especially if I don't have any makeup on I could honestly pass for a child.

7. Meeting an actual 12-year-old who looks older than you.

We all know one. That random 12-year-old who looks extremely mature for her age and you get angry because life isn't fair.

8. Being handed a kids' menu.

This is my personal favorite. It happens more often than it should. The best part of this is it's your turn to give someone a look. The look that says, "You've got to be kidding me".

Looking young is a real struggle and I don't think everyone realizes it. However, with all the struggles that come with looking young, we still take advantage of it. Have you ever gone to a museum or event where if you're under a certain age you get in for a discounted price? Yeah? Well, that's when I bet you wish you were us. And kids' meals are way cheaper than regular meals so there have definitely been a couple times when I've kept that kids' menu.

So, all in all, it's not the worst thing in the world but it's definitely a struggle.

Cover Image Credit: Jenna Collins
Jenna Collins
Jenna Collins Feb 13, 2017
At DePaul University

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What Are Snow Days Anyways?

Especially in Maine, they don't exist.

Sierra Zinke
Sierra Zinke Feb 19, 2019
45
views

I have grown up in New England my entire life, and anyone who knows New England weather knows that one day it will be 50 and sunny and the next we will have 3 feet of snow. There is not a happy medium, in between. But snow days have drastically changed over the years especially as I moved from Connecticut to Maine for school.

As a kiddo, I loved snow days, playing in the snow and then having a big ole cup of hot chocolate all cuddled up under the fuzziest of blankets. They were amazing. No worries, no school just a fun day at home.

But then, I got older.

And moved, to one of the snowiest places in the country.

The snow days became scarcer and scarcer. And we get a lot of snow up here in Maine. But there is no point in canceling school for 5 inches of snow when "everyone" knows how to deal with it up here. So classes are rarely canceled.

Sometimes, I really really miss the snow. And coming for me that's saying something because I really am not a fan of the snow, in any way shape or form. It may not be the snow itself that I miss but the break. Having a day off to regroup and reorganize and catch up or whatever is needed.

That's what I miss.

"Mental Health Days" are super super important. They help you keep your sanity. They keep you from feeling overwhelmed and stressed. They prevent injuries and illness whether it be from a virus or just emotional stress and draining. Mental health days are good for so many more reasons too.

And plus sometimes, YOU JUST NEED A DAMN DAY!

But as I get further into my college career, while I missed the snow days and the mental health days more than ever, I also really didn't want to have a snow day. Weird right? At first, I was just thinking that I was going crazy. Because who wouldn't want a day off, especially a full-time student who is also working full time.

Me!

This is why I knew that if we had a snow day I would still have work to do. My professors would most likely just make me responsible for the material missed and let's be honest who actually sits down and thoroughly covers the material missed. And I can't ask questions from the comfort of my bed.

But in reality this last snow storm, I didn't want the snow day for completely selfish reasons. If we had a snow day on Wednesday, my exam would be moved to Friday. And then I would have two back to back exams in my hardest classes on a Friday morning. Yes, it would give me more time to study but like then I will over study for one and not study enough for the other.

So I'm being selfish!

And my friends think I am totally insane and ruining their chances of a day off. BUT I DON'T CARE.

It is okay to be a little selfish every now and again. Take the time for YOU! Do what is best for you and think whatever makes you happy. Stop worrying about everyone else, for every second of every day and

TAKE CARE OF YOU!

Sierra Zinke
Sierra Zinke Feb 19, 2019
At University of Maine

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