Eight ways to maintain your resolutions after the January hype is over

By Lauryn Pierro

We’ve all heard the ridiculous saying that some people post on social media at the beginning of the new year that makes many of us laugh: “New year, new me!”

In my opinion, character is deeply engraved in a person, but personality can be moulded by setting goals and mentally dedicating yourself to them.

It’s common for people to set new goals at the start of every new year because they want a reason to put forth change in order to better themselves. It’s logical. The important thing to remember about setting goals during the new year is to maintain them after January is over so you can actually successfully accomplish them.

Here are some ways to do that:

1. The journey is the most important part. Focus on small, consistent improvements rather than the end goal. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sometimes overly ambitious goals we set up for ourselves, it’s much easier and encouraging to know that at the end of the day you have done something that puts you even a little closer to your goal.

2. Acceptance. Accept yourself and where you are in life right now. Accept the way the world works. Once you do that you are ready to start making changes. Too often people victimize themselves and blame the government, their family or their genes for what they are getting out of life. Accept everything, take a brutally honest look at yourself and the reasons why you are not where you want to be and start making the right changes.

3. Disregard the things you cannot control.

4. Mentality is everything. Train your mind to block out negativity because it will either affect you subconsciously or consciously. The only person who can make you happy is yourself.

5. Encourage yourself every day. Set daily tasks by writing them down. As students, we always have a lot going on in our lives, but make encouraging yourself a part of your daily routine so that it becomes a habit.

6. Statistically, it takes 21 days to form a new habit. By incorporating your goals in your everyday life, it will become something you do subconsciously, just like brushing your teeth or tying your shoes.

7. Love yourself. Begin to assess and admire your flaws so you can appreciate everything about your personality in order to grow as an individual. As previously mentioned, you can’t change your character, so grow to love it. Having high self-esteem will motivate you to reach your goals.

8. COMMIT.