New Year's Resolutions: Can You Maintain?

Alec Heger
Kappa Sigma

It's already three weeks into January and the common phrase I hear coming out of everyone's mouths is: New Year's resolution. Do you have one? It might be the most generic phrase to come with each progressive year, but it can be an important goal that can act as a stepping stone for pretty much anything, whether it's gaining that dream internship or just improving overall health and self-esteem. Here are a few of my opinions on some tips that have always worked for me with following through on resolutions. 

Winter break seemed all fine and dandy until sooner or later one reached the conclusion that the little extra holiday cheer that's accompanied by all the drinking and 3 a.m. Whataburger runs can be nothing but detrimental to success in the fitness department. Having been in the year 2012 for nearly a month now, many students are probably hitting the ellipticals and weights thinking, "Hey, I can drop this weight easy." Of course, the usual one-month peak seems to be the normal time to call it quits and take the easy way out for all those New Year's resolutions to get back into shape. Here's a hint. 

Don't call it quits.

Running and weight training not only give you an outlet to let out frustration and anger over taxing school work (which for most of us is a daily occurrence), it also gives you a means of attaining an extra ounce of confidence walking around on campus. Who wouldn't want to talk to a person who looks like Hope Solo or the 1970's Arnold? You can look like them too, it's just a big mental game. Putting in an hour or two at Gregory or at the Rec center can do nothing but rid you of some of the weight of being a student here at the University of Texas. Literally. So quit complaining, turn up the incline on your machine, and make something happen.

In another light, some people might have resolutions to boost their GPAs, me being one of them. I'm one of those kids that still can't seem to find the dividing line between grades and fraternity functions, but the two do not go hand in hand (I'm pretty sure), and being a Greek student can make you aware of this very quickly. We all love to hit up DT on Thursdays or have an occasional late night on a week day. Unfortunately, too much partying can lead you down a dwindling path of frustration and in my case, having to explain to the parents a poor grade on a test. Part of success in the classroom owes a lot to being mentally there, and if your mind is continuously steering off course, you might need to tone it down a notch and just say no to "bro-ing out" with your bros when the time deems itself worthy. It's great having so many temptations in this wonderful town of Austin, but sometimes the gravity of being a student here can lead some to take a wrong path.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

College in itself is difficult. Everyone is having the same problems when it comes to balancing social time and school work, but the key is to put priorities in line and then have fun after accomplishing these tasks. I probably sound like a cliché college parent, but following these tips might help lead you to gain a little extra pep in your step and in the meantime open up some extra time for leisure and friends. Here's to a year of good grades, good health and good fun.

Hook 'Em

Alec is a sophomore and is still looking for a major. You may contact him at goal_scorer9@yahoo.com.