We have a tendency to set unattainable goals in the beginning of each New Year, then at the end, we look back in disappointment. This year, let’s try simplifying our goals so we stay motivated all year long. Thinking of each goal as a stepping-stone instead of an end result will make your usual New Year’s resolutions actually possible.
1. Losing weight
Don’t tell yourself to lose 10, 15, 20 pounds in the month of January. That’s setting your self up for failure. Losing weight shouldn’t be a chore. Instead, set up a plan that works for you. Your plan should help you, not hurt you. Most importantly, pick an attainable weight loss goal, like 2-5 pounds in a couple of weeks. Then, when you actually see results, you’ll be more motivated to keep it up for an extended amount of time.
2. Eat healthier
Again, don’t go from being a junk food addict to a vegan in one day. Start with cutting out one food or drink, like chips or soda. Then, try not eating or snacking past nine at night. Cutting out one food or drink at a time won’t overwhelm you. Personally, I love food and couldn’t imagine losing all of my favorites at once. Also, drinking water is crucial for your health and aids in weight loss. Try waking up and drinking a cold glass of water each morning.
3. Exercise more
It isn’t easy to fit a full workout into your busy, daily schedule. Instead of trying to work out for an hour every day, start by doing a 30-minute workout (there’s a ton of free videos on YouTube) three times a week. This way there’s more flexibility in your schedule. Once you get the hang of fitting in the workout, make the workout longer or add more workout days in the week.
4. Try something new
This could be the smallest of things like trying sushi or a unique clothing trend. Last year, I started going to hot yoga (Bikram). I also tried meditating (also found on YouTube). Both of these things were beneficial for my health but also things I enjoyed spending time doing. Exploring out of your comfort zone helps you grow and learn more about yourself.
5. Travel
As much as all of us would love to buy a plane ticket to France, Italy, or Japan, those long and expensive trips aren’t possible for most people. Instead, travel within your country or even your area. I bet there’s so much left for you to see.
Plan a weekend trip to the mountains or a summer vacation to a different spot rather than your usual destination. Or start planning a bigger trip for the following year. Start with doing research and picking a destination, then start saving up money.
A New Year’s resolution should be ongoing anyway, not immediate. Just getting away for a little can be nice and relaxing; it doesn’t always matter where you are going.
6. Positivity
This resolution should be on everyone’s list. Start with becoming more aware of your negativity. Life happens but complaining about every little thing will never solve the bigger issue. It only exerts negativity onto other people and ruins your day even more. Instead of looking at all of the bad things that happened to you in a day, reflect on the good and try to improve the bad for the next day.
Another good thing to try is complimenting others. The smallest compliment can make someone’s day and they will be more likely to compliment another person, furthering the spread of positivity.
7. Don’t procrastinate/Be on time
Saving anything for the last minute raises anxiety and stress levels. Save yourself the worries and get a jump-start on the important things. If you have a major paper due in two weeks, try outlining, then writing a rough draft only a page a day.
This will not only eliminate procrastination but it will probably get you a higher grade as well. Another thing to work on is being on time. I believe we shouldn’t live our lives in a rush or hurry. Then, we miss life altogether but it’s important to not keep people waiting on you.
If you told someone you’d be there at a specific time, do your part and be there. A trick that could help you is setting your clocks 5-10 fast so you’re set to be on time but if you get a little behind, you’ll still be right on time.
8. Be more organized
Again, don’t convince yourself you need to keep your entire house spotless for the whole year. Set a time for cleaning and do one room at a time. Or set small goals like doing the dishes within 24 hours of use. Try to find time to organize the things you have stored away from five years ago. If you start with a disaster, you’ll most likely end with one.
Do yourself a favor and buy a couple small bins or drawers, know exactly what to put them in, and actually, put those things in them. Then, each day you just have spent 10 minutes putting things away rather than deep cleaning the whole room for two hours (but still completely clean at least once a week).
9. Be a better person
What does it mean to you to be a better person? You are not expected to be Mother Teresa. Pick one thing you’d like to work on, like generosity or positivity. Try doing volunteer work. No, that doesn’t mean you have to commit to feeding the homeless every week (even though that you be very nice of you).
All you have to do is donate your old clothes or buy some supplies for a local shelter. Try just smiling more. Smiles are contagious. Also, it releases endorphins, which will help you stay happy all day long.
10. Meet new people
Don’t be afraid to talk to the person sitting next to you in class. This goes along with stepping out of your comfort zone. The worst thing that could happen is you don’t become best friends with that person, but who knows you actually could if you start with saying, “hi.”
11. Be successful
Success doesn’t happen overnight. It may seem like it, but Mark Zuckerberg didn’t make billions off of Facebook in one day. You have to struggle, fail, and try again. The trick is, don’t give up. Take steps in the right direction like picking the right (or possibly wrong) major in college or applying for internships. It all starts with your definition of success.
For me, I’m already a successful college student. I work hard for my grades and take advantage of all the opportunities I can. I may not be a famous editor of a magazine (yet), but that doesn’t mean I’m not successful. You have already experienced success and you will again.
12. Find love
A lot of pressure comes along with meeting the love of your life. Remember, you can’t force love to happen. Also, be realistic. The random guy you met at the bar at 2:00 a.m. may not end up being the one for you.
The only thing you can do is be open to meeting new people and work on being friends before figuring out whether you’re a perfect match or not. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Have faith that it’s going to happen for you one day.
For right now, enjoy someone’s company and be happy on your own too.
Whatever your New Year’s resolutions may be, start small and work up to the end goal. Allow yourself to be proud of each small step. This will help you stay motivated for the entire year. 2016 can be your year if you do these small things for yourself. Embrace 2016 and I hope it is everything you imagine. Happy New Year!
