Some tips for your New Year's resolutions, so they last. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Tips For Making Resolutions You Can Keep

1. Almost all Resolutions are Imperfect.

234
Tips For Making Resolutions You Can Keep

Start your new year right:

1. Almost all Resolutions are Imperfect. 

A perfect duty is something which we are expected to be in charge of twenty-four-seven. An imperfect duty is one which allows for more ambiguity in regards to when we fulfill it. Almost all resolutions are imperfect duties. It would be impossible to require oneself to uphold these new goals for ourselves if they were required of us constantly. If your resolution was to be more optimistic, obviously you aren't required to be happy-go-lucky every second of every day for the entire year. A lot of people expect too much from themselves when making their resolutions. But in order for anything to last, or to stick properly, we must allow ourselves more breathing space. Inclement and severe changes are often difficult to adjust to, and because of this, they do not last.

2. Stick to One thing at a Time.

c1.staticflickr.com

Often people pick several things which they would like to change in their lives and attempt to take all of them on at once. This usually inhibits their ability to actually make any change. Instead, if a person focuses on one specific resolution of theirs at a time, they will be more likely to reach change. A person who makes too many changes at once simply will not be able to juggle it all, and then none of those goals will be met. Picking one thing and prioritizing that will allow for actual change.

3. Tell Your Family and Friends.

www.thebluediamondgallery.com

By sharing your resolutions with those close to you, you are building a support system for yourself. It's important to tell the people who are an important part of your life what kind of changes you're planning on making for yourself. Without their support and understanding, you may lose the motivation to get through those changes. Having people to share your struggles and successes with makes those goals easier to achieve, much less daunting, and more fulfilling.

4. Be Specific In Your Goal-Making.

Zoe Smith

It's easy to just say "I want to get more exercise," or "I want to get better grades," but how do you actually measure those things? It's much more effectual to create specific goals for yourself. For instance, instead of saying that you will exercise more, you should say, "I will go to the gym three days a week." This way, you can actually track your progress, and keep tabs on your successes and setbacks. Creating detailed resolutions helps you to actually achieve the change you've been seeking.

5. Reward Your Successes.

c1.staticflickr.com

After accomplishing a small part of your goal early on, pick a reward to give yourself. This will help to keep you motivated and driven. Make sure the reward is unrelated to your resolution - This way it doesn't interfere with your progress. It's good to chunk up your successes and create breaks for yourself (as previously mentioned). And if you set rewards for yourself at the end of each achievement, then you have incentive to keep going. As you move along and make progress, reward yourself before stepping it up. This will keep you constantly looking forward, and help you stick to your resolutions long-term.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191700
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15734
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458487
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26951
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments