Keeping New Years resolutions

The tradition of the infamous New Year’s resolution is for those who wish to better themselves in some way, shape, or form often related to health. It is for those who often lack determination, drive, and time management skills. Kick-start 2017 by being the best version of yourself.

While it is not the easiest task to reach our goals and maintain them, it is also not impossible. An individual who wishes to change an undesired trait or behavior of themselves has this extremely convenient, designated time to do so. In order to create the best versions of ourselves, it is necessary to quit making excuses, begin setting reasonable goals, and start building up that inner drive. By building these new habits gradually instead of burning out before February hits, people will have better luck at sustaining them all year long.

Because this new year snuck up so quickly, it is likely students have already embarked on their newest health habit attempts. Students must evaluate their new life choices and routines of 2017 by first deciding if they are realistic, then understanding that failure is okay. In order to begin making these practical changes, it is vital to accept the likelihood of not succeeding the first few trials. For any resolution to work, it is necessary to adjust one’s mindset to recognize failure as an opportunity to do better, to not get down on ourselves but to rather get right back up and take it as a learning experience.

Below is a list of common New Year’s resolutions for those who find themselves stuck somewhere along the process.

1. Lose Weight: The fact that this is among the most popular resolutions suggests just how difficult it is to commit to. But it is possible to succeed with the correct mindset. It is vital to plan accordingly for bumps in the road and understand that results don’t just happen overnight. Beginning with small changes in one’s diet and adding to it over time is most recommended.
2. Save Money: Save money by making healthy lifestyle changes. By adding a walk, riding a bike to work, or exploring carpool options, one can save money and cause less air pollution. Cutting back on gym membership costs by exercising at home is a great option. Many online videos, tv fitness programs, and video game systems like Nintendo’s Wii Wii Fit Plus cause one to sweat right in their own living room. Another way to save money would be to take stock of what’s in one’s fridge at home before heading to the grocery store. Aimless supermarket shopping can lead to poor choices for one’s diet and wallet.
3. Travel: The joys and rewards of vacations can last long after the suitcase is put away. Traveling allows us to tap into life as an adventure and enables us to make changes in our lives without having to do anything too bold or dramatic. Taking a break from typical scenery leads to effects that are revitalizing to an individual. Travel is another form of new discovery and learning and great for both one’s body, mind, and soul.
4. Learn a New Language: Not only will learning a new language help improve communication skills, it will also look great on a resume and possibly open up some doors. There are plenty of resources that allow one to learn a language for free and in one’s spare time. By becoming a master in another language, individuals will be able to boost their brain power. A foreign language is a whole new system with distinct rules, etymology, and meaning, which are just a few of the complexities of a language. Learning a new one puts the brain to work by recognizing the new language structure as a challenge. As the brain begins to make full use of expressing ideas in this new way, it will have an easier time with developing reading, negotiating, and problem-solving skills.
5. Pick Up Useful Skills or Hobbies: Just sitting around all day won’t get an individual anywhere and won’t help him or her reach their goals. It is much better to use this free time in a constructive manner and pick up some new, fun skills along the way that will come in handy later in life. No matter what an individual’s interest may be, it is vital to take this New Year as an opportunity to finally get out there and try it. Whether that is a sport, that inner drive to become a great reader or writer, or that desire to become an expert in that particular subject; the time is now.