Written by Devin Miller, Relate Contributing Writer

“My resolution is to start working out more; just be healthier in general.”- Kelsey Stenta, 18

“I would like to study more and get better grades.”- Jasmine Townsel, 19

“My New Year’s resolution is very typical…lose weight! Working out more and getting healthy are two things I want to focus on.”- Velia Biagianti, 19

“My New Year’s resolution is to get all A’s in school, and to go out more often and see all my friends.”- Jamie Ott, 19

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is said to have been around since 153 B.C. Worshippers of Janus, the mythical Roman god of beginnings and endings, offered him resolutions of good conduct. When the Roman calendar was restructured, January, the first month of the year, was named after Janus.

Nowadays, people all over the world set goals for the New Year. Unfortunately, the truth is, many let their resolutions fall through the cracks just after a month or so. Getting better grades and living a healthier lifestyle seem to be some of the most popular resolutions among teenage girls, as well as the entire U.S. population! According to USA.gov, these two resolutions rank among the top 12 goals set by Americans every year. How can you keep your New Year’s resolution?

• Be realistic! Set a goal that you know is possible to achieve. By making a resolution that is too far out of your reach, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.
• Subdivide your goals, and break into smaller steps. If your resolution is to get better grades, list all the things you must do to make that happen. Take a look at your school schedule to check the dates of upcoming tests, quizzes and projects. By setting smaller checkpoints for yourself, your goal will instantly seem more manageable.
• Look at your resolution every day. Post your resolution somewhere you will see it every morning. Put it on a sticky note in your locker, or tack it to a bulletin board in your dorm room. If it applies to your resolution, post a picture next to your goal for inspiration. For example, if you need better grades to get your dream internship, print the homepage from the company’s website, and post that next to your resolution.
• Use the buddy system. Find a friend that set a goal similar to yours and motivate each other. Go to the gym or sign up for a hip-hop class together if both of your resolutions were to live a healthier lifestyle.
• Reward yourself! After reaching a checkpoint, treat yourself to something special. Whether it is a pedicure with friends or a cute new scarf, be sure to reward yourself with a well-deserved gift!

With these tips, you are well on your way to keeping that New Year’s resolution! By staying motivated and optimistic, achieving your goal will be ten times easier, and much more fun!

Tags: 2010, new years, new years eve, New Years Resolution, Resolution