How To Keep Your New Year's Resolutions | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How To Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

"This year is the year I'll make it past February," you say, every year, without fail. But this year, I'm here to make sure you mean it.

22
How To Keep Your New Year's Resolutions
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2017/12/26/636499129332304869967296938_new%20year.jpg

Say hello to 2018! For Americans, ushering in the new year means one thing: ushering in those New Year's resolutions. Whether it's a commitment to losing weight, hitting the gym or doing better in school, most of us have an area in mind we'd like to improve in the coming year. However, research suggests that only 8 percent of people actually achieve those goals. So, how can you keep your New Year's resolutions? Here are a few tips!

1. Write them down.

I am a huge fan of making lists for just about everything, and New Year's resolutions are no exception. Having your goals in black and white in front of you does wonders for making them concrete in your mind instead of just passing fancies. Post the list over your bed where you can see it every day.

2. Stay accountable.

Post your resolutions to social media or enlist a friend to keep you on track; it doesn't matter who you tell as long as you tell someone. Telling others about your goals will help you stick to them. After all, you don't want to let them down, do you?

3. Everything in moderation.

We tend to overdo it when it comes to our resolutions. No superfluous spending. Cut out all sugar from our diets, no exceptions. Setting hard limits is well-meant, but not terribly conducive for actually making a change. It's better to begin with smaller steps. Instead of cutting out all sugar, for example, resolve to drink soda only once a week. It's a much more manageable goal. Which leads me to...

4. Be specific.

"Lose 20 pounds" is an admirable resolution, but vague. How will you lose 20 pounds? You'll find your resolutions are much more effective when you phrase them in terms of what you plan to do instead of what you plan not to do. So, instead, try "I will go to the gym every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour" or "I will eat healthy snacks instead of sugary ones."

5. Keep track of your progress.

If there's anything I love more than lists, it's spreadsheets. Start a spreadsheet for how much weight you've lifted at the gym. Start another for how much money you put into your savings account each month. That way, you can look back on your progress at the end of the year and see how you've improved, even if you didn't quite reach your resolution.

6. Stay flexible, and don't get discouraged.

If you miss a gym day, eat too many calories or spend too much money, don't give up your resolution as lost. Acknowledge your mistake and keep trying. Even a little improvement in an area is better than nothing, and all of those little things add up in the long run.

7. Reflect.

Self-reflection is the key to improvement. If you failed in previous resolutions, reflect on why you failed, and make plans for how you can do better the next time. Reflect on what methods help you stick to your goals, and then exploit those methods to the utmost. Not all of my advice will be applicable to all people (especially those who aren't as obsessed with organization as I am), so at the end of the day, do what works best for you.

I hope you all succeed in your resolutions, and a very happy New Year!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
students
Sophia Palmerine

Dear High School Friend Group,

My sweet angels, where would I be without you guys. We all grew up together because we either met in middle school or high school and watched each other grow up and get "old." We got to go to prom together and then graduate together. Then watched each other as we continued our lives in college, joining sororities and meeting people who will impact our lives forever. It all has happened so fast.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

College In Gifs

Because we are all sad Jim Halpert

976
head on desk
Wise GEEK

Oh college, we can’t live with you, but we can’t live without you. It’s a love/hate relationship, really. College is an experience that no one can ever prepare you for, and maybe that’s a good thing. You never really expect any of the things that college encompasses until you are there. College is fun, but don’t have too much fun. C’s get degrees, but they don’t get you into graduate school.

Keep Reading...Show less
Blair Waldorf

The "Gossip Girl" series may be over, but Blair Waldorf's iconic character lives in our hearts forever. Blair was the queen of the Upper East Side, and a character you either loved or hated. She taught us everything we needed to know about life, love and of course, how to score a Chuck Bass. So the next time you feel a bit lost and are in need of guidance, look no further than to the Queen B herself.

As I spend my Sunday avoiding my homework and other adult responsibilities, I realized that I've watched this series over and over about a million times. Sadly, there isn't a Blair quote I don't know, so I came up with a list of a few favorites. You know you love her...xoxo

Keep Reading...Show less
class
Odyssey

College is an endless cycle of crappy, sleepless nights, tedious, boring lectures, and hours of never-ending piles of homework.

Keep Reading...Show less
two women enjoying confetti

Summer: a time (usually) free from school work and a time to relax with your friends and family. Maybe you go on a vacation or maybe you work all summer, but the time off really does help. When you're in college you become super close with so many people it's hard to think that you won't see many of them for three months. But, then you get that text saying, "Hey, clear your schedule next weekend, I'm coming up" and you begin to flip out. Here are the emotions you go through as your best friend makes her trip to your house.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments