Stepping Into 2017

Lauren Funk
Dec 31, 2016
3 min read

The celebration of the new year is symbolic for very many people. It often represents starting a new chapter. But the one thing I cannot stand is when people say things like "Thank goodness we are starting a new year, this year was terrible."

The reason why this drives me nuts is because that is just a negative way to look at a whole year of your life. Instead, choose to learn from any mistakes from the past year, and grow as a person from your difficulties. Choose to remember those happy and joyful moments. And use all of the events from the past year to become a better person.

I did a lot in one year. And I had many amazing and significant events take place in 2016. And that is all despite a very rocky start to the year.

In 2016 I went to the Amalfi Coast and Rome. I ended my 18 year swim career. I graduated from college and got a job in the city. Two little puppies came into my life and they bring me so much happiness. My boyfriend and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary of dating. I moved into a house with some of my closest friends.

So it is with these happy memories in mind that I will make my New Year's Resolutions.

New Year's Resolutions may seem trivial because you can make resolutions and goals any damn time you want. But I think it is kind of fun to use the new year as a turning point.

But I am sure everyone is familiar with the joke that New Year's Resolutions only last through January. I have a few tips for making resolutions that will truly stick.

1. MAKE RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE CONTROLLED BY YOU

Now what on earth do I mean by this? I mean make your resolutions based on something that you can control. A resolution cannot be to get a boyfriend in 2017 because that is not 100% in your control. Instead, make a resolution to go on more dates, or to step out of your comfort zone and approach someone at a bar, instead of waiting for them to approach you.

Let's say you would like to get a raise at work. That cannot be a resolution because you do not get to decide that. Instead, make it a goal to become more of a leader at work, or put more hours in, to show that you are doing a great job. Then maybe a raise will come in the future.

There are many examples of ways to turn resolutions around so that they are defined by what you can control.

2.MAKE RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE ATTAINABLE

I think that many people make resolutions knowing that they are silly New Year's Resolutions and will probably only last for about a month or two. But if your resolutions are attainable you will be more likely to stick with them.

For example. If you have not gone to the gym once in 2016, but are looking to lose weight, don't make a resolution to go to the gym everyday for the entirety of 2017. One, that is unhealthy, and two, the turning of the year does not miraculously make you a different person.

Instead, do a little research. Sign up for an exercise class that sounds interesting to you (I find that if I am paying for classes I am more likely to go to them). Go to that class three days a week and see how you like it.

3.DO NOT BE AFRAID TO FAIL

Your resolutions may not be easy to accomplish. Change is always hard. But if these resolutions are important to you, don't just give them up because you had a bad day, or messed up once or twice. Keep pushing forward with whatever it is you choose to do. And if you need to modify your resolution or how you go about getting there know that it is okay.