New Year’s Resolutions are starting to become a joke in American culture. Everyone decides to join a gym and eat healthy as soon as the clock ticks midnight, thinking that all of their problems will be solved. Even if someone says that they will change, there’s no guarantee that it will take place.. In order for someone to change, especially students, they have to follow specific steps. 

First, you have to be willing to change. I do not mean just saying this to make yourself or others happy. You need to embrace whatever chaos is currently happening in your life, and grow from it. Most importantly, heal, if you are subconsciously or consciously living through a harmful mindset. Experiencing an unsettling, threatening event causes more disruption mentally than is truly ever noticed. Simply just letting an event which took place go is not enough. 

Next, you need to put forth concrete, reasonable goals for yourself. You do not have to invest in a gym membership if you do not think you will go more than twice a week. Frankly, attending any fitness center is intimidating and expensive. I recommend starting with video work out in order to guarantee your comfort and safety. New Year’s Resolution goals can also be non-fitness related at any time. For example, if you would like to arrive earlier to meetings, you could set a new time to leave where you live as a precaution. This is all about baby steps, not climbing a mountain immediately. 

With this in mind, you need to be patient with yourself. The reason New Year’s Resolutions often fail is that most people don’t even give themselves a real chance. You can say that you are going to mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually better yourself- but without active action it’s unlikely. If you give up in the beginning, then you are not exactly experiencing a challenge. You are just going to go right back to the habits which are comfortable in your personal life, unhealthy or not. 

If you are a student who is looking to adapt to new habits, try not to be so self-critical. Maintaining a routine is difficult enough for a person who has to worry about collegiate assignments, potential commuting, and their personal life all at one time. 

Lastly, there are accessible ways to actually be that person who accomplishes their New Year’s Resolution. Start journaling every day, and keep it on your desk so you remember to write in it each morning, afternoon, or night. Stop talking less about others around acquaintances, this is a small campus. Go to the Student Center or walk outside with a friend, so you are able to check with each other about if you are accomplishing your goals or not. Meditating every day is also a great way to get a break from being absorbed in social media or stressful academic issues. 

All in all, Point Park University students, staff, and faculty should all work towards changing their lives for the better. It is incredibly cliché, but any progress is still progress. I encourage everyone to keep their chins up this semester, there is always more to be fulfilled.