He said
New Year, new you. Or so they say. The annual tradition of making lists for one to achieve over the course of the 365-day year goes way back.
Every year, we seem to make a long list that more or less consists of the same thing — “lose weight,” “make better grades” and “read more,” just to name a few. But this year, I challenge you to do two things: Make more exciting resolutions and actually achieve them.
I went to the gym yesterday and could barely even move among the crowd of rookie weightlifters, which may or may not have included myself. This yearly migration of people from their couches to the gym for the month of January has been something I have unfortunately had to witness for far too many years. I do commend them for trying to get in better shape, but I would really like to see a little more long-term effort out of them, even if it means a more overcrowded facility.
If you are going to achieve your goal of getting in shape or losing weight, you need to start by being more specific. Setting actual goals will give you a sense of progress and achievement.
Maybe you want to lose 60 pounds by the end of the year. Break this up into achievable five-pounds-per-month increments, and the target weight suddenly becomes more attainable. Be realistic.
Last year, I wanted to become a better runner, and I was having trouble sticking to the goal, so I just signed up for a half marathon. This gave me both motivation and accountability to push myself. I sure as hell wasn’t paying $70 to half-ass the thing. On days that I didn’t want to work out, I would just think about crossing that finish line, and the next thing I knew, I was out the door.
Crossing that goal off of my list was one of the best feelings all year.
While getting in shape is always a good resolution, there are much cooler ways to better yourself this year. Find ways to challenge yourself and have fun doing it. Some cool ones might be picking up a new sport, learning a new language, cooking a meal at least once a week, learning to play an instrument or traveling somewhere you’ve always wanted to go.
All too often we get into a routine.
A version of this article appeared in the Jan 20 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 0 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.