Upon entering 2020 and say goodbye to the 2010 decade, it may feel like a lot of major chapters in your life are ending. Although the approach of a new year, and more importantly, a new decade opens up the possibility to create real change in yourself and the world around you. So behold, a guide to making 2020 your best year yet!
- Start an inspiration board
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Pinterest is my go-to for this. You can also go the traditional route of cutting and pasting pictures and quotes which motivate you all on a central location, like a chalkboard or corkboard. Creating something that inspires you helps you to visualize the goals you are trying to achieve. With these, it is best to be specific – target one specific goal to turn into a board, and then make a different board for each different goal. Sample boards could include: a fitness board, a study board, a fashion board etc. Having all the things that inspire you saved to one place will give you something to turn to when January is over and you are struggling to remember why you made the goals in the first place.
- Create commitments to yourself
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If 2020 is going to be your year, you have to start focusing on yourself. Take some time at the beginning of the year to think about what makes you happy, and how you’re going to grow that happiness over the course of the year. Does working out make you smile? Great, maybe you should look into signing up for fun group fitness classes throughout the year (spin classes are engaging and will guarantee a great sweat session!). Or is there a hobby you love? See if there are online tutorials you can take to improve. It’s so easy to let yourself get caught up in work and school and forget about doing things you genuinely enjoy. So take a moment at the beginning of the year to carve out time to commit to yourself, and enjoy the art of self-improvement.
- Read more
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This is always one of my go to New Year’s Resolutions. Not only is reading a fantastic way to relax and unwind without looking at a screen, becoming more well read is an attainable goal for self improvement. Reading more will improve your vocabulary, which will definitely improve your winter semester essays and also give you a better understanding of the world around you. I’d recommend setting a goal for yourself of the number of books you want to read by the end of the year so you can stay motivated year-round.
- Remember your squad
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As much as 2020 is the year for you, it is also the year we all start appreciating our friends more. Make it a goal this year to spend more time with your pals. There are lots of fun and free events around the city that are perfect for a squad outing (did you know the AGO is free for those 25 and younger?). Sit down with your friends and make a bucket list of things you want to do and check them off as you complete them, then at the end of the year you can reminisce about all of the amazing stuff you did (your Insta feed will also thank you, squad outings = perfect photo ops).
Overall, 2020 is the start of a new decade, marking new beginnings and fresh starts. Sit down at the beginning of the year and take the time to plan out what your goals are and how you are going to tackle them. Make 2020 your best year yet!