New Years Resolutions
Graphic by Aeryn Hart
It’s finally over. 2020 is left in the past and we’ve begun a new year–and that means new opportunities. The idea of new habits pressure some, but many others rise to the occasion and grow new skills. As we all know, making a New Year’s Resolution is a very popular pastime across the globe, but how well do they really work? Here’s how to make your New Year's Resolution work and exactly how to stick to it.
I made a resolution on the last eve of 2020 to stop being on my phone in my down time and to pick up a new practice–that practice being mediation. I downloaded Headspace, cleared a spot in my room, and prepared my mind to meditate as soon as I woke up on January 1st. And I was successful for a few days; I found peace and calm in those quiet moments. But, like 80% of people (per a recent HuffPost article), I fell off.
Those moments I dedicated and put aside for mindfulness were instead filled with animatics and TikTok meme compilations on YouTube. I needed a solution to my problem, and I wanted one for you all as well. And after some research, I’ve found it.
According to one Inc.com article, the solution is to set up a clear plan of action. In order to succeed, you need a plan.
“It's easy to feel motivated early on in the process. But after a week or two, your motivation will naturally wane. To prepare yourself for that dip in motivation, set yourself up for success well in advance. Make bad habits inconvenient and good habits convenient,” says Amy Morin, staff writer at Inc.com
Another popular method of keeping to your resolution is to make it positive. Instead of saying “I will stop eating red meat,” try “I will try to eat less red meat.” This method was cited by Per Carlbring, Head of Psychology Department at Stockholm Department, in a study on resolutions in a recent HuffPost article.
“It’s hard — if not nearly impossible — to erase a behavior, but you can replace it with something else,” Mr. Carlbring said.
This method of reinforcing the brain with positive stimulus in lieu of negative motivation works wonders for discipline. As for this virtue, some SJ students have
“I wanted to create a consistent schedule for going to the gym. Most of 2019 and 2020 I went to the gym and did a large assortment of workouts 4-5 times a week. The lack of motivation late in the Covid season of 2020 put that healthy schedule on hold. I want to get back into it,” said Rhys Conybeare, 10.
So, from the platform of a failed resolutionist and high school student with way too little time, I hope you’ll use these tips. I’ve begun meditating again and, with some help from articles and an increase in discipline, I have the motivation to try new things now. I hope you will as well.