As each year comes and goes, we as human beings have been somewhat trained to make resolutions that will motivate us to make the year ahead better than the last. The problem is that we tend to make the same resolutions year after year. We reach the end of the year and one, we can’t recall what our New Year’s resolutions were or two, we realize we forgot about them by February and that you didn’t even come close to achieving them.

Yet, year by year our resolutions are the same old unoriginal resolutions that the majority of people choose every year. Why do we continue to be so unoriginal? Why do we continue to be so unrealistic? I feel that the only solution for this problem is to make our resolutions easier to obtain. We need to take the time to reevaluate our resolutions and choose ones that we will be willing to make an effort for.

For example:

Instead of “lose weight” you could try something like “have the best body possible” (as Opera would say). Get an Expo marker and write a body goal on your mirror the first of each month so you have that constant reminder. Remember that positive self-talk is always helpful as well.

Instead of “exercise X times a week” you could try something like “live a more active lifestyle,” because we all know that things come up and you can’t always make it to the gym, but there are plenty of things you can do at home to be more active. Walking your dog, yoga, or even drinking more water has been proven to make people more active.

Instead of “eating better” a way to put this resolution that sounds much more realistic is “stop buying junk food.” By having this as a resolution, every time you reach for those Hostess cupcakes at the store, you’ll restrain yourself.

Instead of “stop drinking” try something like “drink less.” Again, we all know things come up. Maybe you had a bad day at work (or that exam didn’t go as well as planned) or you just can’t pass up that opportunity to go celebrate with friends, but you definitely can manage to not drink nearly as much as you did last year. Maybe shoot for drinking one time a week instead of three?

It all comes down to being realistic. Try not to be so vague when it comes to making these resolutions. If you actually want to achieve them, it’s important you make your goals attainable. So, try remodeling your resolutions and remodel your perspective on how simple it will be to reach achievement.