The confetti from New Year’s parties has settled, and January seems as though it is long gone. If you’re like most people, the excitement of a New Year’s resolution may have already faded. By February, many have abandoned their goals, believing that if they’ve slipped up, they’ve failed.
Just because the confetti is gone, doesn’t mean you should give up. Turning your goals into habits isn’t limited to a new year – or a new month, but any day you can and should pick yourself up to continue striving for your goal.
Let’s dive into three of the most common resolutions—and, more importantly, how to actually stick to them.
Getting fit and active
The gym never looks as crowded as it does in January—like a pack of sardines—as the most common new year’s resolution is to start going to the gym, (guilty) and overall get fit. But as the months go by, the gym gets emptier and there are fewer joggers on the streets.
Whilst the crowd of people at the gym can be overwhelming and some may even be grateful it gets emptier, there are many other ways to resolve this other than to not go, such as simply creating a schedule to go to at certain times. We must accommodate one another, as we have all started somewhere.
Here is my top tip to keep pushing through — whether it’s running for 10 more minutes, or doing some more reps: find an activity you like doing. The gym is not for everyone, nor is running. Just because these are the two most popular forms of exercise, does not mean they are the only options. Gyms often have classes, so take a look and see if they have anything that catches your eye; dance classes, spinning classes and so on. Turn it into something that you will eventually want to do. At the start, it will most likely feel like a chore, it should! Soon, you will catch yourself wanting to go.
Saving Money
As university students, we often live on a budget lifestyle. Going to Casanova every Friday, or Palomas for their focaccia, can accumulate without us even noticing. Tracking your spending is a humbling way to help you spend less. This isn’t to say you can’t treat yourself, but focus on what is needed or important. Writing down every time you spend some of your allowance can help you visually see what is doing the most damage.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Let’s start with the idea that it is “unproductive” to take care of your mind – is it productive to go to the gym? There’s your answer. Both your body and your mind need exercise. While I’m at it, let’s also get rid of the rush to heal and the idea that one journal or one meditation will relieve your negative thoughts right away. It takes time and should not be rushed, and that is what makes these routines not followed through.
Scheduling it like an appointment allows you to truly take time out of your day to do whatever it is that helps; writing your feelings down, talking to a therapist or doing exercises such as “3 things you are grateful for”. It makes taking care of your mind feel important, because it actually is.
If you’ve slipped up on your resolutions, you’re not alone—and you haven’t failed. The most important part of goals is the action and the intention behind them.
Instead of waiting for another “perfect moment” to restart, start today. Adjust your approach, set realistic goals, and celebrate small wins along the way. Whether it’s fitness, finances, or mental well-being, progress is more powerful than perfection.
So take that next step—big or small. Your future self will thank you for not giving up.
Featured Image Courtesy of: Pinterest, user lsmaylovaaas.
