One word. It can be anything really. Something you need to work on, something you’re passionate about or even something you’d like to try out. Don’t worry – if you’ve already made a New Year’s Resolution you don’t think you can keep there is still time. I personally have never liked making New Year’s Resolutions at all. I understand the need to want to better oneself, particularly in a new year. Maybe I’m just cynical and have been tainted by all the annoying slogans, such as “New Year, New You,” on every weight loss commercial over the years (that or the constant comparisons between friends).
A resolution should be personal above all else. There is no need to obsess over how many times a week your best friend is now running or who gave up sugar until Spring Break. I know for a fact that many people don’t keep their resolutions based on the amount of people in the gym currently. But, breaking a New Year’s Resolution is not a crime – maybe it just wasn’t right to begin with. Although Thought Catalog has some good suggestions, these might not be the kind of resolutions you should be making.
Choose one word to define the new year and work towards that goal. Maybe it is “Resilience” if you want to try and tackle new challenges but are afraid of failure. It could be “Design” if you want to work on your portfolio or acquiring new graphic design skills. A resolution should be used as a tool for personal growth. Strive to achieve something great or learn new skills, instead of doing something for vanity or simply because others are doing it. Sign up for cooking classes, search for your dream career, or work on things that have been harmful in your past personal relationships.
Resolution Example:
Do: “Healthy.” Maintain a healthy workout regimen and eating routine.
Don’t: I will lose 15 pounds in two months whatever it takes.
According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 26% of people are able to maintain their New Year’s Resolutions past six months. Perhaps your resolutions look something like BuzzFeed’s list. Hey, there’s always room for improvement.
So give it a try – one word to define a year. But, first put down that cookie. Just kidding!
Sources:
image: http://girlinflorence.com/2012/12/30/my-new-years-resolution-for-2013/
image:http://mariashriver.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/590x-scale/Happy%20New%20Year.jpg
http://thoughtcatalog.com/2012/20-new-years-resolutions-for-20-somethings/
http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/26-cats-who-didnt-stick-to-their-new-years-resol