It is mid-January.  The routines of the semester are beginning to form, homework is piling up, and the cold has forced us all into hibernation.  

Just a couple of weeks ago, we were all declaring bold New Year’s resolutions, vaguely declaring we will “get in shape,” or “eat better.”  I pledged I would run a half-marathon over the summer, despite my lack of running experience.  

Chances are many of us, myself included, have fallen off of our goals a bit, if we haven’t completely abandoned them.  

Moving back to campus can disrupt the young habits we formed, and seeing friends and fat bar can make it tough to stay committed.  

So it is time to check in with those resolutions, before they are left on the side of the road, waiting to be picked back up next New Year’s Eve. 

First, have you made any progress?  If your goal is weight loss, have you dropped a few pounds?  

If it’s healthy eating, have you limited the walks of shame to fat bar?  

Measuring resolutions in small ways can keep you motivated.  Losing a pound a week is easier to attain and maintain than losing 20 by the end of the semester.  

Slow and steady is the key to making any sort of substantial change.

Second, is the goal actually measurable? For me, I have a set date to race, and a time goal I want to hit. I have a real reference point to gauge my progress, instead of a subjective definition, such as being “in shape.”  

I have mileage goals to hit each workout and each week, keeping myself accountable to what needs to be done.

Speaking of accountability, make your goals public. Sure, people complain about #newyearnewme but now the world knows what you want to accomplish this year.  

It is going to be pretty embarrassing if you cannot complete those goals, plus friends can support you in meeting those goals.  

Now any of you can mock me if I go multiple days without going for a run.

Also, it might not be a bad idea to buddy up in your resolutions.  

If you have someone pushing you or picking you up after a few bad days, any goal does not seem as tough.

It is also important to be honest with yourself. Make sure your goal is actually attainable for you and your schedule.

Now that your goals are realistic and public, start working!  

It only takes 21 days to establish a habit, but quite a few more to break one.  

Concentrated effort for three weeks makes your resolution into something second-nature, so get working!  

Schedule in any time your resolution requires, be it workouts, reading, or some peace and quiet to collect your thoughts.  

With proper planning and support, this can be the year your New Year’s resolution finally sticks.  

Best of luck to everyone, see you on the rec center track!