By Allison Lozada —
Every new year we always try to think of a resolution to better ourselves. We try to set a goal and feel determined once January 1st comes around. However, by January 23rd, we forget the goal we set. Instead of being realistic with ourselves, we lean on the hope of losing weight, managing our money better, and finding our true love – which, in most cases, rarely happens. So, let’s be honest with ourselves and not make the same resolutions this year.
1. Losing weight.
It’s the outdated promise everyone seems to wish they could keep. The common mistake with this is you can lose motivation quickly, if you are not focused. Most people set an unrealistic goal weight and once they see some progress, they either keep up with their diet or simply reward themselves, which snowballs right back to their poor eating habits. EsoSalon.com recommends those who want to watch their weight be more specific in their goal. “Aim for dropping a dress size, or 10 pounds, or 5% of your body fat,” says Sara Ost writer for EsoSalon.com, “Consider [losing] three pounds.”
2. Paying off your debts.
NJCU students: How many of you have taken out loans for school? Constantly charge items to your credit card? Bought a car? Even bought a house? Chances of you paying off all of those things this year look pretty slim. According to the Project on Student Debt the average of students in debt in the United States is $24,000 and this is “a modest figure” for most students. It’s okay if you are in debt; almost everyone is after the age of 25. But, make it a point to organize everything so your credit isn’t ruined. Your credit is something you should worry about for your later years. Try managing your money more wisely. Instead of buying the newest game or the latest shoes, open up a savings account and throw the money in there.
3. Finding true love.
STOP LOOKING FOR IT! People who stop looking usually find someone – whether it’s love or not. If you force it, it will end up a catastrophe and end up at square one.
4. Making resolutions.
Stop making resolutions altogether. Who says you must change the first of January? It’s your life — you can start a major change any time you want to, when it’s appropriate in your life. People get caught up in saying, “This is my year… this year will be different.” If you expect change it may not come. Let the chips fall where they may and live it up. After all, according to the Mayans, we only have 12 months left!
If you have made any of these resolutions, don’t fret: you can still change your mind. If you want to commit to them good luck to you but remember to stay focused and keep yourself motivated. If, by June, due to these you have seen changes in your life — congratulations! You have gotten farther than most people and deserve some reward (whether it’s a break from dieting or spending a little extra). If by December 31st 2012 you can say you kept your resolution then you deserve bragging rights.
