Forget New Year's Resolutions

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   We're about a month into the new year, 2016, and chances are you've already given up all your New Year's Resolutions. Spending the last week of December 2015 writing down some embarrassingly unrealistic goals (including exercising more, losing weight, finishing those books by your bedside, or learning ~something new~) was a futile attempt at promising yourself this year will be different. And now here we are, all of us feeling like inept failures. 

   But don't worry, you are not inept, or a failure. New Year's Resolutions are awful. They force us to criticize and change ourselves and our lifestyles. I detest the phrase "New Year, New You." Instead of focusing on upsetting our entire way of life, we should celebrate another year of growth and memories, both of which have added to our individual identities.

   If you are among those who have abandoned your Resolutions, you are not alone, not even in the slightest. University of Scranton found that only 8 percent of people are successful in achieving their goals. That means that an overwhelming majority, 92 percent, fail. 

   January 1st is not the end-all-be-all for changing your life. The goals we set at the beginning of the year do not account for anything the new year has in store for us. New Year's Resolutions are dangerously distant. Obviously some goals are supposed to be long-term, such as going to college, but that steps that you need to get to that point are short-term. Changes take place day-by-day, constantly, and  in the present. Do not be discouraged if you haven't completed the remarkably (and probably purposefully) vague goal of losing weight. Implementing a plan, such as making a weekly work-out schedule, is a much more effective way to make daily progress towards achieving a broader goal. 
    
   If you've given up, at least for now, don't make excuses or blame yourself. It just sort of happens. And instead of directing your attention on whether or not you've executed or failed a Resolution, relish the moments that are unplanned. Savor the moments where you feel exhilarated and learn from the adversity that you've made it through. These are the true achievements that define us.

   Forget the stupid commercials and pop culture pressure to magically transform your life. I certainly don't want one day, Janurary 1st, dictating how I am going to be spending the remainder of my year. Many things we will accomplish throughout this year will most likely be either unplanned or outcomes of small efforts we've made year-round. So throw away your irrelevant list of New Year's Resolutions (if you haven't lost it already) and simply strive to be the best person you can be everyday, every year. 


xoxo,
Anastasia