With the new year comes the long lists of new years’ resolutions. It’s easy to get too caught up with the phrase, “new year, new me”. We forget that the start of 2017 or any new year is not the only designated time to start better habits and end bad ones. My biggest dream is to help as many people as I can in whatever capacity I can. So, if I’m striving to live in altruism and love, how can I only push myself to do better after the countdown to midnight on the first of January every year? I have to realize and be convicted of limited time and resources more often, because oftentimes when I say, “time flies” or “where has the time gone”, those are the times where I slacked and failed to finish my to-do list of goals. There’s a way out of this annual disappointing cycle though. Instead of new years’ resolutions, imagine monthly resolutions. During a conversation with a friend, this idea was brought up and as I thought more about it, monthly goals started making a lot of sense. They would be more relevant, because aiming to do a few things over the course of 28-31 days would keep our goals at the front of our minds. And if a goal didn’t get completed, that goal could be pushed forward to the next month- no big deal. To give you all an example, here’s my list of resolutions for the month of January:
Love others more than myself by thinking of myself less often
- This comes from a Bible verse that was on my heart in 2016 as well, John 3:30- “I must decrease, but He must increase.” The He refers to Jesus who lived as a perfect man generously and lovingly, so I too want to humble myself this month and care more for others around me
Work out more often
- I’m going to aim to go to the gym at Amherst College when I’m back for the spring semester twice or three times a week for at least thirty minutes each time
- Also hoping to stretch every morning for a minute at least
Apply to three more internships
- It’s that time of year to look for things to do this summer; three is a good amount to start off with and to balance with along with school work
That’s it! I wanted to point out that my list for January 2017 is short, so it’ll be more manageable and easier to tackle. Also, I made sub bullets for each goal to specify quantity and depth for each of them. Another thing to help with your monthly resolutions is to share them with your friends, they’ll hopefully keep you accountable by reminding you, asking you, or even joining you! May your first month of 2017 be one when many of your goals are accomplished! Happy January!