Issue: Resolutions: are they worth it?

Stance: It’s not for everyone, but resolution-makers should take the necessary steps to achieve their goals.

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We, at The Collegian, want to pet more dogs.

Something strange has happened in the past week. Millions of people have vowed to change and it’s a huge undertaking. Maybe you’re going to lose weight, actually attend class, pet more dogs or stop drinking tequila. Whatever it is — you probably made a New Year’s resolution.

Although we understand the need for resolutions in general, we, at The Collegian, do not think creating unrealistic and unattainable New Year’s resolutions are for everyone.

#NewYearNewMe has made its way into the world of social media. Everyone from grandparents to 13-year-olds are utilizing the hashtag to let the world know what their plans for the upcoming year will be. While this may seem like a great way to learn from the past and plan for the future, most resolutions are not aligned with a plan of achievement.

Not only are there various hashtags, but celebrities and artists are playing into the fad of setting New Year’s resolutions as well. For example, InStyle interviewed several celebrities and asked what they wanted to change in 2017. Charlie Puth wants to “remain calm.”

The health industry also makes a big push in January for all the resolution-makers who want to lose weight. Gyms around the country are seeing a spike in attendance, but that will soon begin to dwindle back down to the regulars.

Why? Many resolutions are ineffective, unachievable and, quite frankly, far-fetched. Just because the calendar resets back to January and the year gains another number, we, at The Collegian, believe you don’t need to wait until a specific time of year to make a new goal for yourself.

Although the time for resolutions are upon us, the staff of The Collegian came up with some tips and tricks to help our fellow Jacks succeed.

Whether your resolution is a physical goal, mental challenge to overcome or organizational endeavor, we believe in having someone or something to keep you accountable. South Park dubbed it, “Accountabilibuddy.” 

One of the first steps of making a New Year’s resolution (or a new goal at any time in the year) is to brainstorm SMART goals: S – specific, M – measurable, A – attainable, R – realistic and T – timely. By writing down the goal and specifics of it, the goal becomes much more attainable. Sorry Charlie, but “remaining calm” doesn’t seem to fit into SMART goals. 

For others, an accountabilibuddy could be considered any social media platform. By posting on social media, your followers keep up with your journey. It is a great way to receive positive affirmations as well as multiple people for accountability.

Reflection is a great way to react and respond to a mental resolution. Keep a journal, track your progress, log emotions and at the end of the day, week or month, reflect on your findings.

One more way to push yourself in the direction of your goals is to take a before and after picture, take notes before the day begins and at the end of the day. Have your accountabilibuddy review your progress, or lack thereof, on the first and last day of every month. 

Whatever the goal may be, and however you plan to succeed, we, at The Collegian, wish you luck.