On New Years Eve, right as the ball drops in Time Square, millions of people begin promising themselves that this is the year they’ll go after their dreams. I know I do it, and you probably do too. It’s a wonderful tradition – one of my favorites actually, because it gets you to really take a look at your life and figure out what you want to change and improve. As the clock strikes midnight, most of us feel that anything is possible - and that’s an amazing feeling!

So why is it exactly that this great rush sometimes seems to end in disappointment? In my opinion, there are a few reasons why, and a few ways to avoid the pitfalls and actually accomplish what you want. A lot of people tend to set the bar too high for themselves, and take on an “all or nothing” approach. If you want to get an A in a class you’re currently failing, you might be setting yourself up to get let down. A better resolution might be to do all of your homework and study for a certain amount of time before each test. You’ll slowly but surely improve your grade instead of making an intimidating, one-time promise. Hey, the tortoise won the race for a reason!

On top of being slightly unrealistic with our resolutions, we sometimes vow to change the things that make us unique. I have a friend who constantly looks amazing. Her outfits are always perfectly matched, and her shoes are always sky high and to die. One year, I promised myself that I would start dressing like her - i.e. in a pair of killer stilettos at all times. After a few weeks, my feet looked fabulous, but they felt terrible. I also didn’t look or feel like me anymore–what made my BFF awesome just made me look uncomfortable and out of place. After a while, I realized that I missed my adorable sparkly ballerina flats – I was more fabulous when I was being myself wearing them. In other words, a new year doesn’t have to mean a new you all together. For instance, if you want to lose some weight, don’t do it because so-and-so looks a certain way, since what works for so-and-so may not work for you. Odds are, you’re better off being the best YOU can be, and you’ll have a better year because of it. Consider this before making any changes.

So chickadees, I hope this is the year you all go after and stick to your hopes and dreams. Lets make this one to remember! Happy New Year!

Heart,
Lisa