Corinne Wittig
Staff Writer
With every New Year comes a new resolution that we don’t often fulfill. Of course, it is not intentional; as a college student it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. However, this year it’s time to stop talking about the new you and start being the new you. Here are some hints to help keep your New Year’s resolution.
Popular among stars like Oprah Winfery, Rhonda Byrne’s book “The Secret” is one way to help keep your New Year’s resolution in check. One of the highlights of the book is the discussion of the vision board; a collage of positive things you want to happen in your future. According to “The Secret,” it is pertinent to look at your board several times a day to visualize yourself obtaining these goals. Making a vision board is a simple yet crafty way to keep yourself motivated and moving forward.
A common resolution that comes every New Year is the promise to stay in shape. Whether you plan to do this by cutting out your favorite junk food or working out more frequently, sticking to these ideals might be easier than originally thought.
First, it might be a good idea to avoid making too drastic of a change in your eating habits or workout routine. This way, your body has the chance to adjust to these changes both physically and mentally.
Additionally, downloading fitness apps can provide better guidance. My Fitness Pal is an app for those who want to educate themselves about the food they put in their body. It also manages the calories you ingest and the calories you burn. Pinterest is another resource that provides detailed tutorials on specified work outs, which is ideal for those who don’t live near a gym or don’t want to face the cold winter weather. While working out use an app like Footsteps (a free pedometer app) or wear a Fitbit. Therefore, you can see your progress and know you are on the right track. Lastly, trying the “buddy system” might be beneficial because it gives you someone to check in with and helps you stay accountable.
Perhaps your New Year’s resolution was to stay on top of your school work or become more organized. For some, this is possibly one of the more difficult things to accomplish, especially when trying to balance school, work, and a social life.
One helpful way to stay organized is by making a list. Start by sitting down in a quiet place and dedicate five minutes to thinking of all the things you need to get done. Second, work ahead when you have some free time. As tempting as it is to binge watch Netflix or catch up with your friends, sometimes working ahead is advantageous because it allows for less stress. Finally, keep an agenda or planner. Although you might feel like you know everything on your schedule, an agenda of some sort provides a little extra reassurance especially in stressful times.
Lastly, if this New Year you planned to be a better saver, there are ways that make this endeavor easier on you and your wallet. A simple way to save more is by holding onto your loose change. Designate a jar or actual piggy bank to hold the change and don’t cash in until an emergency.
Another way to save is by using The Envelope System by Dave Ramesy. Use labeled envelopes or some sort of small divider for your cash; be sure to label whatever containers you chose to keep your cash in by what you plan on spending that cash on. For instance, food, entertainment, gas etc. Divide your cash accordingly and track your transactions on the outside of the envelope or spread sheet via Microsoft Excel. By doing this, you are able to visually see the amount of money you have spent and have left. In addition, using this system will help you become more accountable for your spending habits.
