Everyone is talking about it this time of year, time to set some resolutions and push the reset button! But is this just a list that we’re most likely not going to keep and things that we “should” do but don’t really want to? If so, that will just help to pile on the guilt of heavy expectations and an already over-scheduled calendar. So yes- make resolutions, but even better yet, set some goals and good intentions to the year ahead without getting bogged down with pretty sentiments that sound good, but we don’t have any intention of really keeping. Here’s a few tips: keep it short and simple. Set realistic goals that aren’t hard to reach and keep. Start small. Do something that inspires you and that you actually want to do! What are you passionate about? What are some of your dreams? Set some small goals that will help to start fulfilling those dreams…. baby steps!

Here are some ideas to get started:
1. Limit your screen time. I know, I know… definitely not a favorite, but so needed (guilty as charged). Get out there and engage with your friends or go on dates, life is sooo much better in person! One idea that will encourage you to do this, would be to put your phones in the middle of the table the next time you’re out for coffee or dinner with your friends… and the first one to check their phone, has to pay for the dessert or coffee!

2. Get outside! Learn to scuba dive or train for a marathon and then plan a mud run with friends. Cycle for a cause or go skiing or tubing. You’ll feel better and look stronger, guaranteed!

3. Support a Cause. Find something that means a lot to you, whether socially, politically or culturally and volunteer! Collaborate with others to help create solutions to an issue or give a few hours a month to volunteer.

4. Start Dating. Seriously, that’s it… avoid the casual hookups and actually plan a date! Get to know someone in real “face time” and have some fun. It doesn’t have to be serious, just see where it goes. Group dates are great too because they alleviate some of the one-on-one pressure and you get to see how the other person acts around other people and how they treat them.

5. End the Comparison Trap. Stop caring so much about what other people think about you or say about you, or how many people “like” your posts and photos. Don’t base your self worth on what people think of you. Your self-esteem should come from how you value yourself and the things that are most important to you. Consider loftier values than appearance, materialism, status, etc… and think about love, kindness, integrity, and emotional intelligence when defining your success.

6. Be Courageous, Speak up. The old saying goes, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” So take a stand for what you believe in and don’t just take the easy way out and go along with what everyone else is saying. Don’t laugh at an inappropriate joke or comment or someone being made fun of that’s a little different to fit in. Have an opinion and a voice and express your opinions. Believe it or not, others will take notice that you’re not just a follower and you’ll probably find some others who are thinking the same things you are, but are just too afraid to speak up. You can also find opportunities to speak up at your school or in your community.

By turning your New Year’s resolutions into something significant and important…that means something to you, you will empower yourself to live a more happier, healthier and stronger life!

Lauren Caron
REALife Student Director