With Christmas looming near, that means the end of the year is almost here! I am looking forward to 2017 for many reasons. This year I will be graduating College, going on vacation for the first time with my boyfriend, and getting ready to receive a 'big girl' job.

I never thought much about making a New Year's Resolution, because of the stereotype surrounding them. People often make common Resolutions including getting into shape, eating healthy, saving money, or quitting a bad habit. Since 2017 is going to be a year full of change and accomplishments that I have been anticipating, I decided to help others find a way to keep and fulfill their New Year's Resolution. My New Year's Resolution for 2017 is finding ways to do things for others, without spending money on them (I have a spending problem...)

Here are my top 5 tips for keeping these top 5 Resolutions:

1. "In 2017 I will... get into shape"

This common Resolution is one of the easiest to follow and easiest to break. Determination and hard work are two factors that result in making this New Year's Resolution successful! First, make a realistic goal. A goal of losing a certain amount of weight, is not as realistic as signing up for a gym membership. From there, expand on your Resolution. For example, after signing up for a gym membership, the next goal would be to go three times a week for half an hour. By keeping the goals realistic with time, effort, and expectations the goal is able to be that much more achievable.

2. "In 2017 I will... eat healthily"

This goal often is an afterthought of the first goal that I mentioned. While eating healthy and getting into shape are two behaviors that work together, there is nothing wrong with focusing on eating healthy before focusing on getting into shape. To achieve this goal- moderation and portion control are the most important aspects. The government's implementation of 'My Plate', pictured above, is an attainable and realistic picture of how to portion each major food group. This method is one of the most successful strategies to get on the right track to eating healthier in the new year.

3. "In 2017 I will... save money"

This semester, I took a class on consumerism and consumption. For a three week period, I was required to write down every purchase I made that was over a dollar. After, I had to write down where and when I shopped the most, why I made the purchase, and how I felt after making the purchase. At the end of the three-week period, I was surprised to see how much I had spent and what I spent the money on. In order to successfully save money, a goal that is a reward is required. For me, my goal was to save money for my Vacation. Each time I want to go out to eat, I think about different places I could go out to eat on Vacation instead. There are many times when I slip up, but knowing that the money I am saving is for a Vacation I will enjoy makes it worth it.

4. "In 2017 I will... quit a bad habit"

Bad habits come in all different types- spending money, eating fast food, smoking, consuming an excess amount of alcohol, or not changing habits that are affecting your health. First, you have to be willing to admit that you have the bad habit. Without this, then there's honestly no point in trying. Second, you need to address what the bad habit it. For example, let's taking 'eating fast food' as the bad habit we need to break. First, you would admit that you have a problem with eating fast food. Second, you would develop a goal to stop this bad habit from occurring. Packing your own lunch to work, only eating fast food once a month, or quitting 'cold turkey' from eating fast food altogether are all options to consider in choosing which one works best in helping you achieve your goal. As always, having someone close to you to support you is the best way to get through any obstacle!

5. "In 2017 I will... do things for others, without spending money on them"

I'm not just saying this, but, I love doing things for other people. Whether it be making someone a meal, helping someone out when they need it most, or lending an ear of advice- I love to help. Sometimes, I think that to make others happy that I need to spend money on them. Usually, this is for my boyfriend, my family, or my friends. I enjoy making others happy and love to buy them 'just because' gifts. They are usually small, inexpensive gifts but nonetheless, add up over time. By realizing that people will be happy even if you do not spend money on them, then you will be able to fulfill your resolution. Finding ways to make someone's day by making them dinner, offering to clean their car, or watching their child so they can grocery shop will make them just as happy as the $3 mug in the Target bins.