5…4…3…2…1…Every year seems to be the exact same: the ball drops, midnight hits, you have a whole year ahead of you and you intend to make it the best yet. Perhaps you have made your resolution to become healthier, less stressed, or happier. You have the common mindset of “new year, new you.” But what if you this year’s resolution was a little different. What if the resolution was to not have a resolution at all?
Why does it have to be “new year, new you,” why not become the best possible version of yourself? You do not have to resolve anything about who you are. Changing completely is a lot harder than focusing on the person you already are. Instead of totally altering your lifestyle, take a chance to recognize the qualities you have and love, and let them shine this new year!
Often times, setting goals for yourself can become a bit of a let down. It is natural for your schedule to become busy with studying, work, social life, and other activities. Often, in the midst of balancing keeping in touch with friends and making sure you are on the right track with education, you lose sight of your plan. Suddenly making it to the gym everyday does not seem quite as possible as you anticipated. The biggest thing to keep in mind is: that is totally okay! Sometimes your schedule is not going to be perfect. Worrying about making everything in life ideal can become a bit of a time commitment; we are all busy enough already! Messing up and some failure along the way will only build for a greater outcome in the end. Rather than saying “I will go to the gym everyday all year.”, think instead, “How can I work in a healthy lifestyle with the schedule I have already?”. Find time for what you have in the day. Prioritize your life without forcing things you do not have time for (that goes for socializing as well, sometimes you just have to turn down a Saturday night). Going with the flow and allowing events to work into your schedule is a lot easier than completely rearranging your day for something simple.
I am a huge believer in loving and respecting yourself. At the end of the day, YOU create your own happiness. No matter what happens or comes your way tomorrow, next week, or this entire year, it is all about attitude, and how you react to situations. Do not let situations change you, you change the situation! You are totally in control of your life and nobody can affect it the same way you can. I am often guilty of letting other people’s thoughts and opinions of my life choices affect my decision making. Often times, when it comes to making a choice, you might often be worried about what other people are thinking of you. Judgement (good or bad) is a scary concept. The fact of the matter is, judgement will always be there, someone will always have something to say. People are going to disagree with you, and that is natural and completely okay. It is all about attitude; how are you reacting to reception of your decisions? So you want to cut your hair and dye it blonde (a minimal decision in the big scheme of life), some people are not going to like your new look. But if you love it, nothing else should matter. Rock the look, own it! Love yourself and the care you have for your life will be noticeable to others as well.
Confidence is key (as if we haven’t heard that one before). When you really sit down and think about it though, confidence really is a major part of loving the person you already are. Before anyone can support you, you have to support yourself. Trust in your decisions if they truly benefit your life! If you think positively, the outcomes will be positive as well. Believe in yourself, your decisions, and the rest will fall into place. You do not have to be perfect, nobody is, but learning to love and own your imperfections make believing in yourself that much easier.
You do not have to become to a “new you”, instead change your outlook on the phenomenal person you already are. You are confident, inspiring, and loved. If you look close enough, you can find qualities you may not have appreciated before. It is a lot more refreshing to be who you are, rathering than changing into someone else entirely.
Love yourself, love life, and it will love you right back.