CASSIE BROWN
brownc4@lopers.unk.edu

At the beginning of each new year, many of us decide that this will be the year in which our New Year’s resolutions actually pan out, though a week or two later we are just back to our normal and unmotivated selves. Why are New Year’s resolutions always so hard to keep? Here are some tips that may be useful in fulfilling this year’s resolution:

Choose a New Year’s resolution that you are motivated to accomplish. Pick something that can be useful but also interesting and fun. For example, if you want to get in shape, rather than spending countless hours on a treadmill, join a yoga class or an intramural sports team. Limiting yourself to only one resolution can also be beneficial. You can easily become overwhelmed if you spread yourself too thin trying to meet the demands of several resolutions. 

In addition, attempting to accomplish a seemingly unattainable outcome can prove to be difficult and may cause you to give up after a short period of time. It is important to set small goals in order to achieve your resolution. Start small and work your way up. You will find that it is much easier and more enjoyable to accomplish several small goals rather than setting your sights on a far-off and difficult goal. Most importantly, reward yourself! Any achievement is worth recognition, even if it is small. It always feels good to check something off the list, and a small reward can help motivate you to keep working on your long-term goal. 

Even though February is quickly approaching, it is never too late to try to better yourself.  One of the most difficult things can often be deciding on a resolution. There are many options such as becoming more active, eating healthier, cutting down on spending, decluttering, and getting more sleep. These choices can be great, but there are also some other ideas to consider if you would like to switch it up. Reading one book per month, performing a daily act of kindness, taking up an instrument, overcoming a fear, learning a new word each day, taking a new route to work or school, writing “thank you” notes, or even just making your bed each day can be unique resolutions that can be fun to achieve.

Finally, don’t feel obligated to have a New Year’s resolution just because others have them. If you are satisfied with your life just the way it is, that is great. Just be mindful of your good habits and make it a point to continue those behaviors. This year will be great.