A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behavior, to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life, as defined by Google. Among the most common resolutions are weight loss and proper lifestyles (less time on social media, eating healthy, spending more time with kids, etc.). We all know someone that makes resolutions, however, only 8% of people keep them. One way to be more successful is to set goals. My grandfather said, “I don’t make resolutions, they’re made to be broken.” This is an opinion but also true based on only 8% of people following through with the resolution set. “What’s the difference? While a resolution represents a firm decision to do or not do something, a reset is an opportunity to “set again,” or set your habits differently. With a reset, you commit to moderate, realistic goals and making small changes every day ― not just on Jan. 1. A reset also allows for flexibility as you progress and figure out what does and doesn’t work for you,” the Huffington Post says. Keep it realistic. Not everyone’s goal needs to shoot for the moon. If you don’t make New Year’s resolutions but have to do worksheets anyway, do as Jennie Finch says and, “fake it ‘till you make it”. If your resolution is to exercise more, make your goal specific: exercise 3-5 days a week. This gives you a target, but also some wiggle room. Some specific steps for this goal may be: 1. Create a weekly workout plan 2. Start a workout log/journal to keep track of your activity 3. Download workout apps like Nike Training, My Fitness Pal, etc. 4. Find a workout buddy who will keep you accountable 5. Set a specific target: Run/walk a 5K, do a set number of push-ups, etc. Depending on how your 2017 went, you might make an academic or personal goal, where your friend might choose one word to live by ― acceptance, balance, truth. Executing your everyday GOALS are what will keep pushing you on. Good luck and Happy New Year!
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