This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Clemson chapter.
New Year’s Resolutions
Everyone has returned to Clemson in 2015 for a new semester
of classes and memories and the beginning of a new year. We all
know what that means…New Year’s resolutions! FIKE is packed,
churches are fuller, and more people are hitting the books early. The
question is, how long will it last? Many of us set unrealistic goals for
ourselves, and wonder why our New Year’s resolutions are such a
bust. Here are some examples of my own past attempts (and failures)
at resolutions:
Reduce my Chipotle intake. (Why would I even try to do that to
myself?)
Go running every morning at 7am. (Sleep > everything)
Stop watching Netflix. (Is that even possible? How else will I
find out if Chuck ever confesses his love for Blair!?)
And so many more. This year, I am trying something a little different. I
read a book, “One Word that will change your life,” that talked about
the concept of choosing one word that becomes your goal for the
next year. I picked one word that I wanted to define my behavior and
attitudes this year in an effort to better myself. My word is Authentic. I
am striving to be a more genuine version of myself!
This method of changing your life might not be for everyone, so here
are some other ideas for setting New Year’s resolutions:
1. Want to get fit? Instead of trying to set specific goals and times for
a workout routine, make your goal to improve your efforts to be fit.
Park farther away from class (and the ‘55 Exchange!), take the steps,
or take the scenic route next time you walk somewhere. Little steps
make all the difference (literally) and make getting in shape far more
feasible!
2. Don’t be the 2015 Diet Girl. At least half of the female population
every year decides they are going to go on a diet. Psychology studies
say that diets rarely work! Not eating reduces your energy levels, and
therefore reduces your willpower to resist eating. It’s a vicious cycle.
Instead, try to substitute a salad or some fruit for those yummy
leftover Christmas cookies you’ve been snacking on! Instead, give
them to the cute boy who smiled at you in class, or the new girl on
your hall!
3. Change your perspective. Try to smile more, make an effort to
spend more time with friends, and put down the phone. You will be
likely to enjoy your year more without even really doing anything
different!
One last tip for you: Whatever you decide to do to create the better
version of yourself, the “New Year New You,” don’t announce it to the
world, on your social media or otherwise. Do it for you, and you only!
While you might think announcing and publicizing your goals is a way
to hold you more accountable, you are actually LESS likely to
complete them, because it creates a false sense of completion.
(Credit: my psychology professor last semester). Find a close friend
or family member who can keep you accountable.
It’s never too late to set goals for yourself, and strive for
improvement. Have a great 2015!