If you are anything like me, when it comes to a New Year's Resolution, we typically say something like, "I want to eat healthy this year" or "I'm going to get in shape" or even "I'm going to find someone this year". All are okay things to shoot for, but I think our New Year's Resolutions could be a little more...unique and attainable than that. Because, let's face it, how many of us actually complete our New Year's Resolution? So, here's a little guide on what our New Year's Resolution should be.

What Matters Most

The first thing we should think about is what matters most to us that we want to change. Maybe it has to do with family, friends, religion, weight, money, or whatever it is that's important to you. Don't be afraid to take some time to really think about this. Got it? Great.

Make it Specific

Now take that thing that matters most and make it more specific. Narrow it down. What about this do you want to change? How can you make it attainable. Ex. Instead of just saying "I want to spend less money," you could say something more specific like, "I don't want to spend more than $30/week." It has to be something realistic so that when we don't meet our 'standard', we don't give up. So this step might take some planning and understanding of who you are and what you know you are capable of achieving. It's different for everyone, so don't get discouraged at all, either.

Action Plan

In order to actually succeed in your New Year's Resolution, you'll need an action plan to keep yourself accountable and to keep track of if you are completing your daily/weekly/monthly goals. If it's weight loss, keep track of your weight in a journal. If it's to hang out with your family and friends more, keep track of how often you hang out with them. Like for me, while I'm in college, time goes by in a blink of an eye. Sometimes I go weeks without talking to my family and I have no idea. Writing things down and keeping it somewhere you can look at it easily is a step in the right direction.

I hope this guide to writing an attainable resolution was helpful. I look forward to hearing all of your resolutions down in the comments section below. Also, if you have any questions, you can also ask me for help. I am also accepting emails at leighbuchholz@gmail.com, so feel free to email me as well. Once I, myself, come up with a New Year's Resolution, I will post mine down below.