Every year, we all go through the trouble of constructing a list of New Year’s resolutions. The list merely includes leading a healthier lifestyle, being more organised, multi-tasking well, and drinking less. The pressure to succeed in achieving these long-term goals is immense, and when we fail to achieve these lifestyle objectives, we are immediately made to feel as though we have failed.
Instead of formulating a list of what to improve on, a more positive New Year activity could involve creating a list of our distinctive attributes and recognising that achieving such tasks does not equate to success.
- Drinking less
Without glamorising drinking, I want to point out that, as a student, drinking less isn’t that great. When in our working lives will we have the opportunity to get excessively drunk on a weekday without worrying? So, instead, try to focus on how much fun you’ve had on drunken nights out.
- Exercising more
Wouldn’t it be great if we were able to wake up at 6am, work out for an hour, shower, then relish a bowl of ‘Instagramable’ porridge? We would all look like super models, and probably show off our radiant skin, it would be ideal. Yet, when you think of the soft, melted cheese on your pizza, after a shameful, alcohol filled night out, the yoga bunny wannabe you will realise that muesli isn’t as nice as cheesy chips.
- Organisation skills
Starting your assignment a month early is doable, but are you really going to do it? No. So, instead of feeling bad for leaving it till the day before, celebrate the fact that you have acquired the skill to write 3,000 words in one day (with the help of 243734 cups of coffee and energy drinks of course.)
- Having a more positive outlook on life
I have read The Secret, and I am a firm believer that the law of attraction exists. I believe that if you think good thoughts, they will appear in your life. But even as a meditating, spiritual, veggie student, there are times when I want to choke someone with my mind (like Sheldon tries to in the Big Bang Theory.) My point is, that no matter how much of a tree-hugging freak you are, there are times when you need to vent and feel anger, because we’re only human.
- Reading more
Do you have friends who read the book instead of watching the movie of a particular story? As a journalism student, I have never, ever read the book first (don’t judge.) Sure, it makes you appear smart when you talk about how much more you enjoyed reading the story, but think of the hard work film directors have put in to the movie. When you consider this, the movie becomes a form of art, therefore you are an art-admirer. Who’s more sophisticated now?
- Juggling various tasks at once
When we go out into the big, bad world after graduating, multi-tasking will be the core of every workforce. But most of us students want to find a way to keep ourselves busy 24/7, to acquire this skill, and when we are unable to multi-task, we feel insecure and unprepared. Yet we forget, that without noticing, we are multi-tasking every day. Whether you have a job to help you get through uni, or are a part of a social, such activates count as multi-tasking. So without knowing, you are becoming a juggling genius.
- Preparing for the ‘real world’
This resolution usually delves into our list towards the end of our degree. It is vital that we are ready, but instead of constantly thinking about how we will cope with finding a job when we’re out of education, focusing on how much you’re enjoying uni will ease you into a relaxed state of mind. You have made friends for life, and nothing can triumph that.
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