The New You

Although by now some people may already have abandoned their overly ambitious New Year’s resolutions, all is not lost as The Know brings you some top tips on how to stay focused.

Make a plan

Many people decide to lose weight, get fit or quit smoking in the New Year, or you may also decide to set yourself some degree-related targets. The important thing is to think carefully about your goals beforehand, and decide how to go about achieving them. As a disturbingly sad lover of plans and ‘to-do’ lists (but unfortunately sometimes a ‘lack-er’ of motivation to carry out said plans), this is the part that I relish. It is not advisable to make ‘panic resolutions’ during a moment of stress or despair, which are likely to be unrealistic, or disregarded as soon as you recover your composure.

Be realistic

Naturally the more ambitious the resolutions you assign yourself are, the less likely you are to succeed. Rather than attempting to be marathon-trained in a month’s time, aim to start by exercising twice a week, getting your 5-a-day, or hitting the library after seminars. Smaller targets are much more appealing and won’t leave you disheartened and unmotivated.

Get support

Although you might not wish to share your resolutions with the world, enlisting the help of a friend makes you far more likely to succeed. You may find sharing a common goal helpful, or even just having someone to give you positive encouragement, or berate you for staying in bed all afternoon instead of spending your day productively.

Think positively

Rather than having a whole list of resolutions that begin “I will not eat/smoke/buy/do…”, adopt a more positive attitude and focus on what you will do. By concentrating on the actions you will take rather than what you plan to deny yourself over the year, you’ll be far more successful. A whole year ahead without chocolate or lie-ins will no doubt seem very daunting, but the image of a super svelte, athlete-esque, star student, glowing new you at the end of the year will seem much more attractive!

Try something new

With an all-singing all-dancing new you to look forward to, why not try your hand at something different to add a bit more excitement to your year? If one of your resolutions involves exercise and you’re tired of the usual gym, running or walking, there’s bound to be something else out there that tickles your fancy. With a whole host of activities on offer at the University of York, from riding to lacrosse, Jiu Jitsu to cheerleading, there’s no reason not to get moving immediately and achieve your goals. Have a look at the list of York Sports Clubs to see what else is on offer.

Reward yourself

As well as setting yourself small, achievable goals, it’s also important to recognise when you have achieved these and reward yourself for it. So if lie-ins used to be your thing before you discovered the merits of early rising, indulge your desire for a lazy morning when you know you’ve got time. Or if you’ve been the picture of health with your eating habits, push the boat out with a well-earned tasty treat. So for those of you who’ve already ditched your resolutions, now’s the time to start again, and look towards a successful 2009. Good luck!

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