I’m going to be honest with you: New Year’s resolutions are an excuse for people to start fresh, try again, and ultimately give up half way through. But what’s wrong with that? We’re all allowed to challenge ourselves and turn a new page whenever we feel like it. But changing the date on our calendar is a good excuse for some major life changes.
In the past I’ve had New Year’s resolutions like “stop swearing” and “go to the gym more” but those are life changes that I can (and should) change at any time I damn well please. So I’ve begun to analyze the psychology behind resolutions and figured out that there are actually ways to successfully create and keep a New Year’s resolution.
My 2019 resolutions are to be more social, act more my age, and generally do things that make me feel happy. They aren’t specific goals, things that will make me feel like a failure if I don’t do them, etc. Instead, my resolutions are self-care reminders that we’re looking out for ourselves in the best way possible.
Be More Social:
I am a grandma and my friends know this about me. I have my nights out, my moments, and so on but in general I like to be home on a Friday night and my excuse is already that “I’m tired”. But being “tired” is a shitty excuse. Yeah — I fit a lot into my life, but there’s always room for more. And having a social life, doing something on the weekend, and simply leaving my house are all positive additions to my life. Grab more drinks after work, go see that local band play, etc. Don’t just sit on my butt and watch The Sopranos all weekend long. Life’s too short for that nonsense.
Act More My Age:
You’re probably reading that thinking I’m really immature. But it’s the opposite… at most times. I think I like to pretend I’m 33 year olds and already have my life sorted out. I’m taking 2019 to remind myself that I’m only 24 and I’m still young as hell. I need to be more lost and explore more opportunities while I still can. I need to make more mistakes… to an extent. Raise your hand if you’re also an old soul!
Do Things That Make Me Happy:
This is an overarching theme for my resolutions this year. Just do whatever truly makes me happy. Hangout with who I want, don’t let work consume me, set aside more time for my blog, finish my master’s degree, give up on the fact that I will never be vegetarian, buy less jeans. Whatever makes me happy, I’m doing it. In that moment I want to choose happiness and I’ll deal with the rest later.
So how am I keep all of these you ask? Easy: I set goals for myself that I know I’m capable of doing. I’m realistic with myself. If I set my New Year’s resolution to go to the gym 7 times a week and I barely make it once a week, then I’m setting myself up for failure. You are your own cheerleader in life and you need to pick and choose goals that suit your lifestyle. Now I’m not saying you can’t do whatever you set your mind to, I’m just being the realistic Capricorn I was born to be.
Now get out there and change your life for the better this 2019. You deserve it.
What are you 2019 New Year’s resolutions this year? Leave a comment below letting me know, or connect with me on Instagram! I love hearing from you guys!
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Photos curtesy of @SamanthaPrimavera
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