New year, new me!: ... For about three months

The making of New Year's resolutions has been a tradition for nearly two centuries and as it seems, so has been breaking them. People can’t get enough of making these promises they just can’t keep. So what can be done about this? How can people find encouragement to keep their New Year’s resolutions? Some will claim the key to these questions is perseverance, that all we need to succeed is to keep at it until eventually a new habit forms. While that may be one solution to the problem, I am here to tell you that it is a boring one. The most effective way to keep your promises to yourself is to set the bar so low that you can’t possibly fail. Below, I have given two tips you can use in order to make and keep an easy-to-accomplish resolution. 

Tip #1: No accomplishment is too small

People often think a resolution has to be some big, life-changing task they must complete or a massive change in habit they have to undergo, but this simply isn’t true. Resolutions are meant to be resolved, not given up on. Choose something that you think is so incredibly easy that you cannot fail, and make that your resolution. Do you wanna gear up and finally clean those dishes that have been “soaking” in the sink? Go for it! Are you finally ready to buckle down and finish that leftover pasta? Mazel Tov! No accomplishment is too small if it's something you can realistically accomplish. 

Tip #2: Scorn is the language of cowards and failures 

Some people may look down upon you for choosing the simpler path when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, but do not let this get you down. When the year is up, who will be the ones who carry the guilt of a canceled gym membership, and who will be the ones who are happy that they finished what they set out to do? No matter how simple, be proud of your resolutions. 

For some, this short list may not be sufficient for their resolution-making needs, and that is okay. Some people need a challenge, something they can work toward for the whole year or even beyond. But for those of us who are tired of the guilt brought on by failing to follow through with our January self’s gung-ho promises, this list is a great starting point for some instant serotonin solutions.

By Caleb Schaber