Let this be the year you hit those goals
It’s that time of the year again, when you join countless people in eagerly listing out your goals and resolutions, filled equal parts with excitement as well as trepidation about whether you’ll achieve them. The reality is that most people fail to stick to their New Year’s resolutions, with the average resolution lasting a very brief 4 months, at most.
You’re in luck though — we dug into the stats, looked at what experts said and found some cool tips and tricks that will boost your chances of hitting those goals. Now’s your chance to banish those doubts, strengthen your resolve and begin ticking off those boxes, with some help from us!
Here are some realistic New Year resolutions and spry tips on how to achieve them.
Getting in shape
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Did you know that improving fitness and losing weight were the two of the most common goals for 2023? They’re also always featured in top goals each year (surprise surprise).
While it’s easy to get to the gym for a few days, the real challenge is to integrate it into your daily routine. This is where most people stumble, and it’s not your fault at all.
The key is shifting your mindset from “working out is a chore” to “fitness is fun.” Here’s how:
- Make your workouts fun: Keep your mind energized by listening to your favorite playlist, playing a podcast or audiobook you love (trust us, it works). If wearing the perfect athletic outfit gives you a boost, make the effort to decide your workout wear ahead of time for the week. For some people, switching between different activities like going from cardio to weights to live classes keeps them engaged. Find what works for you.
- Get more active in your daily life: If your schedule doesn’t allow you enough time for gym time or a dedicated fitness plan, try to sneak in exercise into your daily activities. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator at school or work, walk to places nearby and maybe even use a standing desk. Don’t forget, you can always visit the Humber Fitness Centre free of charge!
Getting more ZZZ’s
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Most health professionals recommend at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night for an average adult. However, it’s easier said than done, especially for students like us (I mean, is there any better time than after midnight to start that TV series? Sigh.)
The truth is there’s no glory in frequently pulling all-nighters. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to countless health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
There are some tricks to make sure you are getting enough proper sleep:
- Pre-plan to finish your work early
- Don’t use your phone before bedtime (yes, we said it)
- Be more active through the day
- Maintain a consistent bedtime schedule
If those tips don’t always work, worry not! You can always catch up on some ZZ’s at IGNITE’s on-campus Sleep Lounge from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. between Mondays and Fridays.
Embracing real learning
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While you need to maintain a certain score to graduate, don’t forget to apply the concepts you learn into daily life. By applying course material in a real situations, you’ll improve your understanding of the core concepts and improve recall and understanding. This is a big goal for me this year!
Experts suggest that you stop thinking that you’re an “A student” or “B student.” Instead, look for situations where you can apply your knowledge and don’t be afraid to fail — each failure will teach you something valuable and ultimately make you more confident in your learning.
Limiting caffeine intake
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The endless queues at Tim Hortons and Starbucks attest to how much we all rely on caffeine. That said, we all know that having too much caffeine is not a good idea, and for some of us, we constantly fail at limiting our intake.
To succeed with this resolution, experts say to never quit cold turkey. Instead, slowly taper your consumption, set a time limit on your last cup (gradually making it earlier) and lean on decafs or other beverages you enjoy during your transition.
Step out of the comfort zone
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When was the last time you tried something new? We’ve all been there – yearning to try something new and working up the courage to just do it. Often, though, we end up backing away and staying within our comfort zone. If doing something new and terrifying is on your list of resolutions, don’t let it slide. Not only does taking on new challenges build your confidence, it can make you happier and more satisfied.
Breaking down your task into smaller steps, rewarding yourself for doing uncomfortable things, using visualizations and beginning with smaller changes while slowly stepping up the “risk” helps, experts say.
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Whether it’s reducing your caffeine intake or stepping out of your comfort zone, each bit of effort you put in today will make you a better version of yourself tomorrow.
I, for one, want to build my leadership experience and skills this new year. If that’s on your list too, consider running for a position for the IGNITE’s Board of Directors! By becoming a part of IGNITE’s Board of Directors, you will be an advocate for all the students from Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber, build your leadership experience and expand your network.
Want to know what’s like to be a part of something bigger? Check out our Q&A with a campus club president.
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