As we welcome in 2023, it is time to start making that New Year’s Resolution list. But before you put together a long list of goals you might not be able to keep, let me help you with a resolution list you can accomplish this new year. 

  First, it is most important to focus on smaller and more specific goals to be able to reach your big goals. For example your resolution doesn’t have to be “I will stop eating junk food.” But “I will cook myself a home cooked meal three times a week instead of eating out.” Then when that three times a week goal is accomplished, you can slowly start progressing to four times a week, then five, and so on. Soon enough your goal will be accomplished and you won’t feel so stressed to feel like you have to completely remove junk food out of your life starting January 1st. Another example of a specific goal is instead of writing “I want to improve my grades,” a better alternative is “I am going to take time out of my day every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to do my work and study for two hours without looking at my phone.” And while this will be challenging, it’s specific and forces you to create new habits and stick to specific rules. Senior Madison Solomon says she stays organized by having a goal and a plan to obtain the goal each day. “I set pretty minor goals such as making sure I study for a test or read a certain amount each day. I think setting these smaller goals helps to reach bigger goals like keeping my grades up and reducing stress,” she says. “Celebrate yourself and even your small wins, it means you’re one step closer to your ultimate goal.” 

  When it comes to changing our habits it’s human nature to put everything that we feel we need to break into a long list and pressure ourselves to try to follow them all. But, realistically seeing a long list can actually demotivate us and hinder our ability to focus on all of them. So this year, make your list short, maybe four resolutions at the most focusing on being specific and breaking them down into smaller goals. Junior Kennedy Huges says she’s good at keeping her resolutions. “This year I am working on physical and mental  health and overall taking better care of myself. To stay organized I use a planner and use positive affirmations for myself to keep my goals. My advice to keeping resolutions would be to put in the effort and tell others about your goals to keep you accountable.” 

  Lastly, having a strong support system is essential. Tell a trusted friend or family member about your resolution and make sure they hold you accountable to it. “Good habits help to create a routine that keeps me accountable for what I do each day and how productive I am,” Solomon says. “In addition, I also remind myself that breaks are good and rest is necessary!”