I admit to making long lists of New Year's resolutions. I also admit to not exactly keeping up with them. When you've finished your ten item list of things you want to do better with in the upcoming year, you're excited as you admire that perfect list. You know in your head that you're actually going to live by that list this year! "New year, new me"- basic saying but it's true. There's not a specific time to change your attitude or total way of going about life. It could be July seventeenth, October ninth or May twentieth, but we all look at January first as the most fitting date.
We most definitely don't magically change overnight, but despite that reality, the thought behind it counts. The thought that we will instantaneously evolve into the best version of ourselves.
"We may try to revamp our routines and rebrand ourselves, but we’re just brushing up on the same canvas."
Self improvement takes time, and it's not a race! Set personal goals and dates you want to achieve them by, but always pace yourself based on your own preferences (not what "Daily Girl Facts" on Twitter says). Say you're planning to lose some weight- you don't have to run a marathon out of the blue. Instead, try running ten minutes a day and gradually working your way up to where you want to be. It's all about you and becoming the person you want to be, but not overnight!
Again, there's no set time to change your ways of life. It's all up to you to decide when's a good time. That time does not have to be January first! Let's start looking at it as "new day, new me". Now, here's a list I composed of (big or little) things you can start doing either on New Year's Day or any day you chose!
1. Start Journaling
Taking a couple minutes out of your day to scribble down some thoughts or basically what happened in your day, good or bad. The 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal is a year of weekly journaling inspiration. With prompts such as "list the things that make you laugh" and "list the most beautiful things you have ever seen", this book can really up your mood!
2. Go Outside More
When you find yourself in bed at noon again, find some motivation to get up and do something. Eat a quick breakfast and take a walk outside, or even a run if you're feeling spontaneous! Getting that fresh air will really make you feel so much better and renewed.
3. Eat a Better Breakfast
I admit to having a bad sleep schedule on the weekends. When you wake up at noon it's hard to figure out a time to eat breakfast, because at that time your friends are asking if you want to grab lunch, and you're like- I didn't even eat breakfast... but fries sound damn good. That's a pretty bad habit that a lot of us can fall into. So, make up for those days, and on work days be sure to set aside at least 10 minutes to eat some berries, yogurt and some orange juice. It is a great way to start your day and provides energy so you're not searching for a snack at 10 A.M.
4. Spend Time With Friends
Those times where someone asks you do hang out or do something with them, say yes! I mean yeah, there's some exceptions, but if you don't have anything going on (besides watching Netflix and ordering a pizza), spend time with those people who go out of their way to ask to spend time with you! You may not think so, but you'll regret it if you didn't go to the movies that one time. Spending time with people you actually tolerate boosts your mood substantially.
5. Schedule Better
No more procrastinating! Never be stressed about your schedule again! That's been the headline of my New Years resolution literally every year, but I never seem to follow through with it. I found that if you buy a cute planner it helps! How crazy it sounds- but it makes me want to pull it out to plan my time weekly and monthly.
Purchase Vineyard Vines Planner
6. Take a Step Back From Social Media
This is the most difficult thing on the list (for me at least... props to you if you aren't attached to your phone)! I've gotten a lot better at trying to stay off my phone in school or other situations where all my focus is needed. Also, when out with family and friends, try to converse and have a good time without updating everyone that you got a salad at Panera.
7. Be Confident
If you finish a presentation after 2 long days of hard work, be confident to present it in front of the class. If you know that you made a great play in your sport, don't be afraid to compliment yourself. Giving yourself props is a good thing!
Overall, just do what makes you happy! Make this year amazing, but know that everyone slips up once in a while! If you skip a day on your new diet, or forget to go to the gym one day, DON'T STRESS! We can't become new people spontaneously, so remember to give it some time. Perseverance is key! Have a great 2017!
