Well, the new year is (almost) here and I’ve been spending some time reflecting on the past 12 months.
Things have changed, that’s for sure. Some were good, some were bad. But nonetheless, all of these things showed me that change is inevitable. And sometimes, even necessary. While 2016 was definitely not my worst year, it was certainly not my best.
Some great things that happened: First 4.0 GPA in college, studying abroad in Italy, interning with CollegeFashionista, starting my relationship with my boyfriend, and finally, creating this blog 😉
Some not so great things that happened: All of the celebrity deaths this year, drifting friendships, gaining some weight, getting rejected from certain internship opportunities, and days that went by without making the most of every minute. (AKA days I watched Netflix All. Day. Long.)
Moving forward into 2017, I have some serious goals. I’m choosing not to call them resolutions this year, because in the past, I have personally noticed that the idea of a resolution is always doomed to fail. (At least for me. But I’m sure I’m not the only one!) Anyway… I am choosing to call them goals, because those are something I have always been motivated to reach. Therefore, in these last few days of December, I wanted to compile little list of how to look at New Year’s Resolutions as #GOALS instead, and how to easily turn them into a realistic reality.
First, let’s be sure to not put too much pressure on ourselves. It’s important to focus on the positive actions, and the achievements that you are making, rather than the stuff that is difficult, or may be taking a little bit longer than expected. It’s okay to not succeed the first time around. As my parents always say, “It’s a marathon, not a race.” It’s also okay to not put pressure around your ideas. If you don’t complete a goal, it won’t be the absolute end of the world. I don’t think we need to go into the new year thinking, okay I have to lose 10 pounds in the first two months or else I have FAILED!! It’s not healthy, it’s not reasonable and it’s not realistic. That being said…
Secondly, let’s be aware of our boundaries and limitations. It’s not a good idea to set a goal that you know you probably can’t reach. Be smart. Start out small. Once you check off that small box, then you can go bigger. It’s easy to climb the ladder one step at a time, rather than jump ahead to step six or seven. Does that make sense?
Lastly, let’s be kind to ourselves! Encouragement is everything!! This is a big thing I used to struggle with. People might not always know your personal goals and be able to support you. Maybe they will, but either way, YOU are your number one cheerleader. Leave sticky notes on your mirror, doodle a “YOU GOT THIS” note in your planner’s “This Week To-Do” section, maybe even change your desktop or phone background to a cute wallpaper with sparkles and a helpful saying. Whatever it is that works for you, do that! In the end, it will make all the difference. Your friends and family’s opinions only go so far. It is YOU who has to believe in yourself.
I hope this list has helped you, even if just a little bit! I am feeling extremely inspired this new year and I think finally, it’s going to stick. This year I’m not trying to tackle a list of impossible resolutions, I’m embarking on a year long journey of trying to achieve some goals. I hope you are able to do the same. With that being said, what are some of your 2017 #GOALS?? Do you have any tips and tricks for making them stick? I’d love to hear from you, comment them below!
CHEERS to the New Year! xoxo, JM
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