As it sets in that it’s finally 2017, I’m sure everyone is thinking about all of their resolutions they’re planning for the new year.
Instead of thinking about what I want to gain or accomplish in 2017, I think one of the most important things to do is figure out what to leave in 2016.
What I mean by that is what do I want to stop doing, do less of, feel less of, or see less of in 2017? I believe that thinking about what you need to leave in 2016 is a key to successful resolutions for the new year.
Whether it’s midnight snacking, bingeing Netflix until 2 a.m. on school nights, procrastination, or people who are dragging you down; there are just some things that are better left in the past.
I think looking into your life and seeing what or who is dragging you down or keeping you from being the best version of yourself is important. By recognizing these things, you’ll be able to make some resolutions that will truly benefit yourself and hopefully lead you to have a great 2017.
Realizing that there are some things that are dragging you down can help you to turn your resolutions into something that will genuinely benefit you. Maybe there are some people that don’t put you first, or some tasks that give you unnecessary stress. Recognizing those things can help you to make some resolutions to change them.
Yes, the typical “go to the gym and eat healthy” resolution is great for some! But other people may need something that will benefit them not just physically, but maybe emotionally, spiritually, or mentally as well.
If you notice that people aren’t bringing out the best in you, maybe a resolution for 2017 could be to meet new people or to drift away from negative people in your life.
If you notice that work, or a specific environment stresses you out, gives you anxiety, or makes you uneasy- a resolution for you could be to go to new places, try new things, take classes in a different major, or even look for a new job.
If you know there’s things you should leave in the past, do it and don’t look back! Use what you’ve learned in 2016 to turn it all around in 2017!
To help you brainstorm what you want to leave behind in 2016, I’ll give you some examples of my own:
- Midnight snacking and staying up late on school nights playing with my phone or looking through random things on the internet
My resolution to this: Only eat fruits or veggies after dinner and try to stop eating around 9 p.m., be more time conscious and try to put down my technology more often
- Saving my work for the last minute and sitting on the first floor of the library, doing homework in my room
My resolution to this: Use my planner, calendar, and make lists more often. Also, only sit on the 2nd or 3rd floor of the library when I need to really get things done. I need to stop using my room for homework and only do homework and serious studying in the library.
Those are just some of the things I’m trying to leave in 2016! I hope to use some of my new resolutions to combat some of my rather bad habits and make my spring semester of 2017 my best one yet both mentally, emotionally, and physically!
I wish y’all a happy & healthy new year & good luck with all of your resolutions 🙂
Boston & Beyond 