Each January, the untouched possibilities of what could be drive us to set new goals and aspirations for the new year. Yet, after two or three weeks, most resolutions are abandoned in favor of old habits incapable of rehabilitation. While it might be the toughest goal to keep, a New Year’s resolution is absolutely possible. So, it’s a new year and a new semester; is it time for a new you? Here are a few tips to help you keep those resolutions until next year:
1. Be specific without being unrealistic.
Here’s the truth: Not everyone can look like Scarlett Johansson or Cristiano Ronaldo. Pick your battles. Find one or two things that you really think you could change. Still bite your nails? Want to clear up that lingering teenage acne? Make your New Year’s resolution specific enough so you can develop a concrete path to success. Don’t try to conquer the world with these resolutions. Instead, try to conquer your bad habits one at a time.
Potential New Year’s resolution: I will exercise more.
Better New Year’s resolution: I will exercise three times a week for 40 minutes.
2. Do it for yourself, not for anyone else.
All that untainted time in front of you is both encouraging and daunting without factoring in another person’s opinions. Choose which battle you want to vanquish because it’s the best choice for you. Just because your parents wanted you to rush/pledge their Greek society doesn’t mean it’s best for you. Yet, you still want to meet new people? This is the perfect time to introduce the two-part New Year’s resolution. Two-part resolutions are great because they keep you accountable. You can't accomplish part two without finishing part one.
Potential New Year’s resolution: I will meet new people.
Better New Year’s resolution: I will attend the Club Carnival and find two clubs that interest me. Then, I will commit to involvement for the semester in at least one.
3. Don’t give up too soon, kiddies.
Everything takes time. Relationships need time for growth and development. Abs need time (and aerobic exercise) to flatten. Just because you reach the two-day mark doesn't mean something is going to happen. When you’ve finally hit the wall of New Year’s resolutions and are ready to give up, turn to outside help. Attempting to get organized, but overwhelming classes just don’t provide the time to excel as well as organize? ASU offers help. You’re paying to attend here, so take advantage of its services. ASU’s Learning Support Services offer workshops and success coaching for all grade levels. According to the LSS website, success coaching is a “peer-to-peer collaboration that assesses students’ strengths and growth edges ‘areas.’” When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to re-assess and re-evaluate.
Potential New Year’s resolution: I will have an organized calendar and assignment book that let me keep myself in line.
Better New Year’s resolution: I will meet with a success coach once a week to keep myself and my calendar up-to-date.
4. Remember, this is not a class.
It’s okay if you miss one day of workouts or forget to update that brand new organized calendar. It’s important to remember that you are not graded on your New Year’s resolutions or your adherence to them. If something doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of your GPA. Do not dwell in the lack of success, but rather find another way to succeed. For those of you that make it through the semester, remember to carry your resolutions into the summer.
New Year’s resolutions are all about how you choose to better yourself. Find the one thing and go for it! Nothing is impossible as long as you are specific and ready to do the work.
Reach the reporter at crcruz1@asu.edu
