Resolution Resolve (When It’s Not Exactly New Years Anymore)

Catherine Mitchell
Kappa Kappa Gamma

This winter break has been a special one for me. As a junior who is also a transfer student, the past few weeks were an opportunity for me to look back on my first semester at UNC. The fall semester taught me a lot, both in and out of the classroom, and I made a few resolutions for a fresh start this spring. Ah, New Year’s resolutions!  If you’ve ever been to a gym in the first two weeks of January, you know how popular they are. But a new year, and the new goals that come with it, can be a problem for many people, college students included. 

You may not even have a New Year’s resolution. If not, don’t let the date keep you from making one. It’s never too late. A great way to start is by reflecting on last year (or last semester). What worked well? What didn’t? Is there something that you struggled with that you want to change?

A resolution doesn’t have to be something you change for an entire year. Trying something from week to week is just as helpful as trying something from year to year. Good resolutions for students can be health related, like getting more sleep or skipping the soda at the dining hall in favor of water, or the can be in other areas, like taking advantage of some campus resources. Taking more time for yourself is always a plus. There is always the popular procrastination resolution as well.

New Year’s resolutions are great on January 1st, but what about in February? Failing to meet a goal, or “falling off the bandwagon” is a common cause of broken resolutions. The best way to avoid this is by starting small.  Doing too much, too soon, is an easy way to burn yourself out, and failing can make you feel worse than when you started. Making attainable goals are key to staying on track. It’s also helpful to set these goals within a certain time frame (and don’t forget to reward yourself when you meet them)! Regarding the slip-ups, it can be disappointing, but don’t worry. No one is perfect. Instead of stressing about not keeping your resolution, get back on track!

Hopefully my resolution process will help make the first few weeks of your new year and new semester a bit easier. I did practice what I preached and started small this year. I’m happy to say that so far it’s going pretty well. Best wishes for the new year and the new semester!