If you’re anything like me, you love the new year. You love setting goals, you love regaining peace of mind, and you love starting fresh. However, if you’re anything like me- a busy high school student with endless tasks to complete- sometimes those goals seem to get lost on you. If you’re anything like me, the end of December can make you feel like you’re back where you started. And if y0u’re anything like me, you want to change that.
Tips for Making New Years Matter
1. Examine your goals. How are they worded? Why are they your goals?
I often find that goals (even my own!) are superficial in nature. Things like “losing weight”, or “reading more books” are unspecific, and they often lack meaning. Ask yourself WHY you want to make a change. If you aren’t truly going to be fulfilled by making changes, the changes won’t happen.
2. Make a Plan
One comment I get fairly often is that I’m “the most type A person” my friends have ever met, and I see that as my super power. Buy a cute planner and specifically devise a plan to accomplish your resolutions. Set “mini-goals” or checkpoints every few weeks, make a schedule, and WRITE! IT! DOWN! Neuroscientists have said that writing goals down makes them 42% more likely to happen, and that’s not a coincidence.
3. Use Accountability Partners
Discipline is hard to practice, and it’s even harder to build. Discipline can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Spend New Years Eve eating yummy food and hanging out with friends, and set goals while you do so. Make a plan, and rely on each other to stick to it! When I get texts from friends asking me if I’ve had my water amount or finished my book club book, I feel healthy pressure to complete it, and knowing those questions are coming motivates me to stick with my resolutions. Not to mention, everything is more fun with friends!
4. Adjust, Adjust, Adjust!
I am great at overestimating myself. I feel unstoppable with my surplus of free time over holiday break and have a tendency to be slightly unrealistic with my resolution setting. When school starts back sometimes I feel as though my goals are unattainable, and that has pushed me away from them in the past. Adjusting as you go -adding more or reducing your load- can be a powerful skill. Less is better than none, and quite frankly, if you feel like what you’re doing is too much, reduction can be healthier than pushing forward. Don’t be afraid to take a step back at times. Recognizing your needs is a strength, not a weakness.
Wishing 2026 brings you happiness, good health, and healthy habits!
