New Years Resolutions Aren't Stupid and Here is Why

I get a mix of responses when I ask friends or family eagerly, "So what are your goals for 2018?".  Regardless of the response, everyone seems to be either taken off guard or uncomfortable.  I get the sense that people are a little embarrassed to share their resolutions, especially if they don't have the most confidence in themselves to fulfill them.  I also think people are embarrassed to say what they want to change about their lives; most of us fear looking insecure. (Some bask in it, but thats not something I understand nor want to talk about).  However, I love hearing about what my friends are ambitious about. I love hearing the way they want to better themselves; it makes me feel like I am on their journey with them.  Overall, sharing your goals is a great thing and I believe it can strengthen a relationship.
   I've read two articles in the past week about this.  One was titled "Why You Wont Stick to Any of the Resolutions You Make" and "Why New Years Resolutions Aren't Realistic".  First of all, thats quite a negative outlook (weirdly negative to be from two normally positive lifestyle websites).  Second of all, whether or not people stick to their resolutions for the next 365 days, wanting to make yourself better and happier is never a bad thing...ever.  (Also, people usually stick to them for at least a few months, c'mon).  Bettering yourself in any way is a good thing and granted, you shouldn't wait for the new year to start.  However, if that motivates you, then thats great, end of story. New Years Resolutions DO NOT automatically equal failure.
    I find an effective way to stick to resolutions is writing them down (with a pen and paper *gasps*) and putting them where you can see them every day.  That way you never forget what you intended to do, and you start your day with a mission  in mind, before you even leave your house.  Another way to make your resolutions a reality, is to think big and small.   Set small goals for yourself, like little things you've always wanted to do with your friends or something bold you've always wanted to say, as well as big goals.  (They might sound really little but sometimes the littlest things can make for great memories and more fulfilled days).  For example, a small goal of mine (on a list of my 39 resolutions) is too read more books and a big goal of mine is to be prepared to apply to college.  Set yourself up your success, but don't forget to think big. 
     In 2017, I actually fulfilled a lot of my goals because I consistently reminded myself of them.  Granted 2017, went nothing like a thought it would, but I still kept the same priorities.  I am not sad to see 2017 go because of how excited I am about this year, but 2017 was one for the books and a year I will always cherish.  I did a lot of adventurous things, met amazing people and grew as a person more than any other year.  My main goal for 2018 though is to make more time to be with the people I love and to do more of what makes me happy. 
I hope you all are as optimistic as I am about 2018.

Best wishes,
​Caroline Meade

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