2008 Woodie Awards
New Year's Resolutions: To Be Or Not To Be?
How To Stick With Your New Year's Resolutions
By Whitney Nichole Stevens
Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Features
Like clock work, as the New Year approaches we make solemn vows, promising ourselves that we are going to do something different after the ball drops. And every year, nine times out of ten, we fall back on those promises, assuring ourselves that we will stay true to our goals the next time around. Ask yourself this, has the start of 2007 been any different? If you are tired of slacking off, here are five tips that might help you stick to your guns and focus on your goals in the New Year.
First things first, define your goal. It is always good to straighten out your priorities so that your thoughts and actions are not all over the place. Once you decide on your goal, it will be easier for you to devise your game plan which is going to be your second step. With any task, strategizing is the best way to successfully prepare for completing a goal. After you have stated your goal and come up with your plan of action, the next step is to CLAIM IT! In 2006, at the Student Organization Leadership Retreat motivational speaker Fran Harris spoke about focusing on your goals, clearly stating what you want to accomplish and speaking it into your life. Ms. Harris said, "The universe conspires to give you what you want." So taking lessons learned in 2006, moving forward into 2007, this wise advice is definitely a good way to start off the New Year.
As the year takes off, remember to continuously monitor your progress. Reward yourself for your success and ability to stay on track. This does not mean go out and spend on impulse or cheat on your resolution. For example, if your New Year's resolution is to lose weight or save money and you find that you have been doing well, reward yourself by treating yourself to a movie you have been anxious to see or a small cup of low-fat frozen yogurt. On the flip side, if you realize that you are beginning to slack off on your resolution, a good way to re-work your plan is to set more strict goals. And to ensure you stay on track, try asking for help from family or friends that you trust to be supportive.
Kerlang Claude, sophomore Occupational Therapy major said, "My New Year's Resolution is to do well is school. The semester just started but I am going to work hard and put my best effort into getting better grades." Lahai Garber, sophomore Marketing Major said "This year I am going to try and get more sleep. In order to do that I have to work on getting my priorities straight and focus on time management." Kenni Floyd, junior Marketing major said, "My New Year's Resolution was to find a career-oriented job and I had success in reaching my goal. I now work for Atlantic Records."
As you can see, New Year's Resolutions do not have to be a thorn in your side. They are feasible goals as long as you are willing to stay committed. So good luck this semester and have a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.
First things first, define your goal. It is always good to straighten out your priorities so that your thoughts and actions are not all over the place. Once you decide on your goal, it will be easier for you to devise your game plan which is going to be your second step. With any task, strategizing is the best way to successfully prepare for completing a goal. After you have stated your goal and come up with your plan of action, the next step is to CLAIM IT! In 2006, at the Student Organization Leadership Retreat motivational speaker Fran Harris spoke about focusing on your goals, clearly stating what you want to accomplish and speaking it into your life. Ms. Harris said, "The universe conspires to give you what you want." So taking lessons learned in 2006, moving forward into 2007, this wise advice is definitely a good way to start off the New Year.
As the year takes off, remember to continuously monitor your progress. Reward yourself for your success and ability to stay on track. This does not mean go out and spend on impulse or cheat on your resolution. For example, if your New Year's resolution is to lose weight or save money and you find that you have been doing well, reward yourself by treating yourself to a movie you have been anxious to see or a small cup of low-fat frozen yogurt. On the flip side, if you realize that you are beginning to slack off on your resolution, a good way to re-work your plan is to set more strict goals. And to ensure you stay on track, try asking for help from family or friends that you trust to be supportive.
Kerlang Claude, sophomore Occupational Therapy major said, "My New Year's Resolution is to do well is school. The semester just started but I am going to work hard and put my best effort into getting better grades." Lahai Garber, sophomore Marketing Major said "This year I am going to try and get more sleep. In order to do that I have to work on getting my priorities straight and focus on time management." Kenni Floyd, junior Marketing major said, "My New Year's Resolution was to find a career-oriented job and I had success in reaching my goal. I now work for Atlantic Records."
As you can see, New Year's Resolutions do not have to be a thorn in your side. They are feasible goals as long as you are willing to stay committed. So good luck this semester and have a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.