resolutions for all aspects of life

​When I first thought about which resolutions were important for me, I immediately thought “excel in my job and sleep more!” because those are areas that affect me every day. However, when I reflect on  my work-life balance, mental health, relationships with friends and family, I'm reminded many other areas could use improvement to bring greater joy and purpose to my life.

Each of us have several roles – whether it’s being a student, employee, manager, partner, parent, friend, sibling, etc… it’s important to realize all areas of our lives affect our well-being. To brainstorm what areas in your life could use improvement, write down different categories (including roles/relationships, diet, fitness, finances, etc), rate each one on a scale from 1 to 10, and comment on what you would like to improve in each area. This method can help you focus on which areas could use more attention than others. Here are 30 ideas for new years resolutions that apply to different categories of life.

Undergraduate Student

1. Save money: If you have excess college scholarships or are working a part time job, save whatever money you can. If you’re considering graduate or professional school, chances are you will not have time to work during those stressful years and will likely be living off of loans (unless of course you are lucky enough to have a full ride scholarship or funding from your parents). Do your future-self a favor and save up a bit while you can so you have excess cash to spend on food, shopping, or even traveling.
2. Enjoy life: Whether you are going to graduate school or getting a job after graduating, you are in your glory years of life! Sleeping in past 9 am, going to the gym in the middle of the day, going out late at night and not feeling tired – savor those moments, as they will not be easy to come by post graduation.
3. Get involved in university clubs: These aren’t like high school clubs… there’s a club for every interest! Volunteering clubs, dance clubs, academic clubs, cooking clubs. Not only does it look good on your CV and give you something to talk about at interviews, you will also meet great, like-minded people with similar interests as yourself.
4. Do an internship (or two!): There are several summer internships available, either paid or unpaid, which will give you a preview of what type of work you may do in the future, highlight what skills or passions you have that you didn’t know about, and will make you shine when applying to other programs or jobs.
5. Think about life after graduation: Figure out if your dream job requires an MBA, PhD, professional degree, etc. Talk to your advisors and professors about career paths. You don’t want to be that person who didn’t apply for a program in time because you found out too late! Also, talking to professors in programs you want to enter may help your chances of getting in once they can put a face, personality, drive, and work ethic to the name on the application.​

Graduate / Professional Student

1. Improve your study skills: Whether you struggle with reading, memorizing, concentration, or comprehension, figure out a way to improve your study and work skills to bring greater productivity to 2018. Work smart, not extra! Also, if you haven’t already done so.. stop procrastinating! It only hurts you and contributes to stress and anxiety.
2. Map out the year: Make a list of accomplishments you want to reach by the end of each month, and if possible, week. You will probably fall behind if you’re doing research, but don’t fret! The purpose of the plan is to keep you headed in the right direction.
3. Speak to your committee often: Depending on how many students your advisor has, they may want to meet with you weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I’ve heard horror stories of students who meet with their advisors every couple of months. Their feedback is priceless and critical to graduation. Don’t forget about the rest of your committee members – you don’t want any surprises during your proposal and defense!
4. Prepare for your career: Update your CV, keep your eye on the job market, and network with the right people. Attend conferences, ask your colleagues, or professors to put you in touch with who they know.
5. Make time for friends: I know this is hard, at least it was for me. Most of my friends were in graduate school and were as stressed out as I was, so I felt like they understood my limited time. However, every time I caught up with them, it was so great for my mental health. If you’re seriously strapped for time, plan other productive activities with your friends such as library study dates, workouts (they are better with a friend, anyway!) or even weekend sleepovers.

Employee

1. Update your wardrobe: Now that you are earning some cash, it’s time to update your wardrobe! It doesn’t even have to be very much, all it takes is stocking up on some key essentials: a nice pair of slacks, pencil skirt, work blouses, cardigan or blazer, comfy flats, comfy heels, and voila! Thankfully work attire is very easy to mix and match. I feel like I wear the same 4 pairs of pants all year long.
2. Ask for help: Don’t be embarrassed to ask others to clarify doubts or confusions you may have, or ask them for their time to help you complete something. It is humbling to show you need help or guidance, and your coworkers will get along better with you when you demonstrate humility  and teamwork.
3. Save money (& get out of debt): Don’t go crazy spending money just because you are finally making some! Do your research on retirement accounts, short term savings accounts, and talk to your HR advisor about what plans the company offers to help you. Also, try to pay off your debt as fast as possible. I just got out of my student loan grace period this month, but have been paying them off for the past 2 years. It’s shocking to see how much you will end up paying in interest if you actually accept their 10-year plan payoff. I’m aiming to finish mine off in the next 3 years by setting higher monthly payments.
4. Improve your work-life balance: You may be used to studying all the time, but now it’s time to take a break! Your hard work should be rewarded – try to come home in the evenings while leaving your work at work. This is a big resolution for me this year!
5. Get a raise or a promotion: Dream big and envision what’s next. It may be at your current company, or it may require you finding a higher position at another one. Also, sometimes the raise or promotion make take more than one year, but regardless, work towards that goal this year. Speak to your supervisor about your intentions and ask what is expected of you to be promoted.

Partner

1. Spend more quality time together: Nothing replaces quality time with your significant other. There are no substitutes to quality time. Although we all know this, our busy schedules can make it difficult. Make it a priority to schedule quality time throughout the week to unwind with your sweetie and show them how important they are to you. Be intentional. Plan one date night per week if possible – cooking, coffee, frozen yogurt, running, anything. Just get in each others’ space and be emotionally intimate.
2. Forgive and forget: Don’t hold onto grudges. Chances are you are going to be together for a long time, and that’s a lot of grudges to hold onto! Learn to forgive. It’s hard, but it will make both of your lives better.
3. Become more romantic, keep the passion alive, and flirt more: It doesn’t have to end at year one. Remember, love is an action, not a feeling. Continue to pursue your special other. Send each other text messages. Plan different kind of date nights. Learn a hobby together. Take dance classes. Make them feel loved. You have the ability to ensure a long future of exciting love and surprises.
4. Communicate appreciation: Don’t take your partner for granted. If they do something that pleases you, let them know. Even the small things. Get in the habit of saying thank you. Text them throughout the day to let them know you are thankful and appreciate them in your life. Let them know what they did that made you happy. We all like to feel appreciated
5. Complain & argue less: Couples argue; it’s part of marriage. Healthy couples still argue, they just do it in a way that builds their marriage up instead of tearing it down. Use language that is constructive, and try not to let emotions (anger, frustration) dictate how you speak to your spouse; when your emotions fade, your spouse will still be there.

Friend

1. Meet new people: just because you have your long-time friends doesn’t mean you can’t make new ones! People change, our personalities shift, we learn new hobbies, so it’s only a matter of time before we find more friends who we enjoy spending time with. If you are new to a city, or if many of your friends have moved away (as is the case for me!) make an effort to get involved in clubs, sports, hobbies, and activities to meet people like you who you can spend time with doing what you enjoy.
2. Become more polite: Open doors, smile, say please, thank you, and your welcome. You have the ability to improve the days of so many people. That is a great superpower, use it! I work in the hospital, and sometimes when I’m in a rush I can feel myself getting impatient (internally, of course!) with certain people. I immediately imagine “what if this was my mom?” and immediately want to hug and love on the person. Everyone is important to someone, do them a favor and love them.
3. Spend more time with the people that matter: I spent countless days last year dedicating my little time to people who were not that important in my life. Whether it was in group hangouts, guilt trips, or negative influences, I recall thinking “I wish I was back home catching up on errands, sleeping more, and saving time for those who do matter.” This year I will focus on saying “no” more often to the people who I do not envision a long term relationship with, and “yes” more often to those who I do.
4. Start remembering important dates: I can’t even tell you how many times I missed my friends’ birthdays last year! This year I’m adding into my google calendar all of their birthdays and anniversaries. A bonus: set a reminder a week in advance to mail them something, rather than just a message on the day of!

Personal

1. Commit to your wellness and fitness: Improve your diet. Reduce white carbs and sugar. Stop snacking. Stock your fridge with healthy options. Move more. Try new workouts. Find a workout/accountability partner. Schedule your doctor exams at the beginning of the year to stay in check with preventative care. Floss daily. All things you already know!
2. Learn more! This includes reading books, listening to podcasts, picking up a useful skill, learning how to dance, play a new instrument, or speak a new language. These are all things that exercise your brain and force you to socialize with others sharing the same hobby. This also means avoiding things like watching TV and spending less time on social media.
3. Get more quality sleep. Sleep is so important for your health, immune system, brain, cells, and weight. Aim for 8 hours of sleep, but if that’s not possible with your schedule, shoot for 7 hours. Start by modifying your sleep schedule in 15 minute increments to adjust naturally.
4. Become tidier and more organized. A clean home, office, and car demonstrates that you have your life (somewhat) in order and offers a more peaceful environment for working or relaxing. Try to get rid of stuff this new year.
5. Learn to be happier with your life. Enjoy the little things. Learn to embrace a happiness mindset. Become more confident and take some chances. Learn to control your emotions. Reduce stress wherever possible. Learn about what causes your anxieties and work on preventing them. Cherish your alone time

…. and there you have it! 30 New Year’s resolutions! 

​I encourage you to set a time to yourself to intentionally plan how you can make the next year your best yet. Write down your goals, and come up with a plan to tackle them. Make them measurable so you can see how you’re doing.

xo, Izabella