New Year, Same You (Only Better!)

 

2012 has officially begun and with that realization comes the gift of a new year to be an improved you. Making New Years resolutions does not have to mean that you are unhappy with who you are or that you are trying to completely change your life. Why not constantly strive to be the best version of you that you possibly can? Why not make it a goal to help others instead of helping yourself? You can make running a 5k your goal instead of losing 5 pounds or incorporating veggies into your diet instead of cutting out all carbs. There are positive ways to make changes in your life without putting yourself or your past down. Here are some possible ways you can set realistic goals, and actually stick to them, in 2012.
 


Volunteer- Don’t make it a specific number of times or a specific type of volunteer work that you strive to do. Volunteering comes in so many shapes and sizes that narrowing it down only bars you. You can clean out your closet and donate the clothes, give the extra dollar to a charity at the checkout or sign up to serve at a soup kitchen. The opportunities are endless and so is the satisfaction you get from doing something nice for someone else.

Her Campus UMaine in partnership with Sigma Nu are throwing a charity night on January 15^th, 2012 at the Bear Brew Pub in Orono where the cover charge is being replaced by everyone bringing canned goods to donate to the Manna Food Pantry. Stock up on canned goods and check off being charitable in 2012!
 
Get Moving- A new years resolution to get moving can take on so may meanings throughout a year. Maybe you have always wanted to run in a road race or do a triathlon but never considered yourself “in-shape enough.” Having a goal in place that you are unable to push back or change allows you to push yourself harder in order to reach it. UMaine Recreation hosts the 4/20 Healthy High race every year, which is an attainable goal for most people. Do some research and find an event that works for you and gives you enough time to be fully prepared for it both mentally and physically.

You can also tell yourself that you will get moving in a lifestyle way. Maybe you have always wanted to live in a warm climate or in a big city but the stress of making the change has allowed you to put it off. Why not use the New Year as a reason to go for it! Start looking for summer internships or post-grad jobs in an area of the country that you enjoy. Just because you make a change does not mean you have to stick with it forever. Why not try something new out and see where it takes you.
 
Daydream- Now, I am not telling all of you collegiette’s to use the New Year to sit back and relax, however I am telling you that letting your mind wander and get creative is an amazing way to grow. When you let your thoughts go wherever you de-stress as well as unleash the creative side that was all you knew as a kid. Keep a journal of what you think of as a way to reflect and remember the things you came up with. In a time when innovation is key in success, daydreaming is essential. Remember, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
 


Love Yourself– So many of us are harder on ourselves than we ever would be on family or friends. Would you like someone who always put you down or never thought you were good enough or mocked the way you looked or acted? I don’t care who you are, I know the answer to that question is no. Why be your own worst frenemy? Remind yourself of what you have accomplished instead of what you haven’t. Enjoy the way you look in your warm-weather clothes instead of saying how much better you look in sweaters. Dwell on the quality of your friendships instead of the quantity of your friends. For all we know this is the only life we have and the only person we will ever be- so love yourself for everything you are and expel the negativity from your mind. The happiest people are the prettiest people. 

photo credit: google images