Let’s have some real talk about new years resolutions. People make new years resolutions every single new year. There are some common ones such as losing weight, saving money, eating healthier, etc. The great thing about these new years resolutions is that they are always very positive.
At first, most people start out strong with their new years resolutions—*new year, new me*— but, after some time, people lose motivation. It is around this time in the new year that this starts to happen. But, it doesn’t have to happen to you! While you really can’t be a “new you,” there is a definite possibility for you to better the old you. It is important not to forget in your “new you” who you really are.
Don’t make ridiculous new years resolutions that you can’t follow through on. You should be realistic in your resolutions. Just because it is a new year, doesn’t mean that the “old you” who couldn’t run a mile in four minutes, can run a marathon the next day as the “new you.”
I think that is the biggest mistake when it comes to new years resolutions. Instead of trying to alter your appearance all at once, I might suggest that you work on strengthening your mind also. For example, I am terrified of the dentist, so, every year I make it my new years resolution to schedule my dentist cleanings for the year.
I think that as college students we could all do something similar. If you are an introverted person, maybe your new years resolution could be to go to one party. I’m not saying for an introverted person to just “get out more,” but make it realistic—go to one party and take it from there. If we make resolutions that sound daunting, we are less likely to follow through on them.
Therefore, I would say the best advice I have ever taken about new years resolutions is to take baby steps. Baby stepping into the new year is the key in conquering larger heights. Instead of saying, “eat healthier,” just substitute one meal in your day for a healthy option and take it from there. If we overwhelm ourselves with the pressure of instantly eating perfectly well rounded meals all day we will get frustrated and lose hope quicker than we would like to.
One quite unfortunate thing about new years resolutions is that they get a sort of bad reputation. Some people don’t believe in setting new years resolutions, which is his/her prerogative, but there has been a lot of negative feedback in response to new years resolutions being made. To me, that is a problem. There shouldn’t be any criticism on the positive changes people want to make in their lives.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t doubt yourself. Baby step your way into transforming yourself into a better you—not a “new you”—but an improved you. There is still time left this January to rekindle that fading resolution. Whether you want to make another one that will strengthen your state of mind or expose you to new experiences, or just reinforce the one you’ve already set, just remember to take it slow and make sure you are happy!
Oprah Winfrey once said, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” It is still early in 2016, so let’s try to follow through with our resolutions and stay positive!
