A Guide to New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time again. A new year. A fresh start. This year we were all waiting even more eagerly for the clock to strike midnight. Because we need a new beginning. We need change. I love the new year, because its a chance for me to reinvent myself. To become the person I want to be. A lot of people feel this way. So they make Pinterest vision boards, fill out endless planners, and write tons of resolutions. But come February, this excitement and rush is all gone. Your resolution becomes but a bad taste in your mouth. So how do we make lasting resolutions? Here’s how.

First, begin with a clear understanding of what it is you want to change. There’s no need for anything over the top, but just have an understanding of your goal. Then, create three main goals. A lot of the time we can make multiple resolutions that are too much for us. The three main resolutions should be sustainable and effective. These are the goals you want to be able to keep up for a whole year. One method that I find effective for these goals is to try to create a keystone habit. A keystone habit is a habit that helps other aspects of your life fall into place. For me, that keystone habit is nutrition. When I am healthy, I feel good and work more effectively. Also keep in mind that goals don’t have to be things you do, but mindsets as well. Next, create short — term goals. This is optional, but I know that there are some things we just want to try out. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself with these goals, but just try them out to have fun. For example, you might want to learn how to juggle. You don’t want to overdo it with these either, so I recommend limiting it to 2 short-term goals. Wow, that was a lot! I know I put a lot on you, so I thought it would be helpful to share my resolutions and how I used this method.

My long term resolutions are to think for myself, eat less meat during the weekdays, and to put full effort into everything I do. My short — term goal is to read 15 minutes daily of the Harvard classics (https://medium.com/the-ascent/how-to-get-a-harvard-level-education-in-15-minutes-per-day-or-less-8eaac3fc665a). Remember that resolutions are not set in stone and you can change them whenever you would like. Happy new year and I wish you well!