It’s the time of year when we are all supposed to reflect on
the past 12 months, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then we are supposed to pick up a pen and
write down what we will do differently in the next 12 months. For many, health is a top priority, for
others, finding new success or making a big change in their life will be the
new goal. Unfortunately, we oftentimes
lose sight of our goals after a few weeks, falling back into old habits, or
just not feeling motivated to make the changes we were so excited about at the
beginning of the year. So how do we make
New Year’s Resolutions stick? How do we
write a goal that will last until it is achieved? Most importantly, how do we find the
motivation to work harder to make the desired changes a reality?
Writing a resolution, or a goal, takes quite a bit of
thought. It’s not something one can sit
down and scribble down in 10 minutes. In
fact, a New Year’s Resolution may not be perfected in time for the New
Year. To start, reflect on the past year
in a quiet, comfortable spot. Try to
start with January 2013 and go through the major events of each month until you
end at December. Sometimes it helps to
look back through Facebook or Instagram to find pictures of the things that
were important enough to post on your Timeline.
Then, decide what you want to change, or do differently in 2014. Are there any goals that were not quite
achieved in 2013? Modify these to be
more realistic for the changes you have made personally in the past year. After thinking about this for a day or two,
write the changes and goals down! Make
sure they fit the S.M.A.R.T. criteria (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and
timely), and that they are actually something you believe you can accomplish in
one year. Make sure to tell someone
about your Resolutions, like a family member, teacher, or a friend, someone who
will support you through the trials of the coming year. Remember to thank them for always having your
back and for helping you to stay on track with your goals. Finally, post your Resolutions somewhere
obvious, where they can be seen by you every day. Don’t let them fall into some obscure corner
of your room, or under the bed collecting dust.
Hang them up at eye level, so that even when you feel discouraged your
Resolutions are there to remind you what the end goal really is.
So
let’s welcome in 2014 and look forward to a year of growth and change. Let’s make it a year of new achievements and
success, of new friends and talents. We
hope all of you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and become the student and
individual you want to be in 2014!
