The start of a new year means consistently writing the wrong year on your paper until February and a slew of Instagram posts captioned “New Year New Me.” Jan. 1 also marks the start of a time-honored tradition centered around self improvement: New Year’s Resolutions. If you’re like most people, you start out strong, kick off the new year with a list of goals and maybe even a plan to achieve them. The second week of January rolls around and, slowly but surely, that list of resolutions gets pushed further and further into the back of your mind until, eventually, you forget about it completely. Even if your 2021 didn’t get off to the best start, there’s still plenty of time to salvage this year and make it the best yet (knock on wood). 

If your New Year’s resolution has anything to do with fitness, you’re definitely not alone. Self-improvement is a beautiful thing as long as it’s done in a safe and healthy way. To get started, you need a killer playlist. Add songs that encourage you to keep grinding and maybe even take a dance break. Whether you’re preparing for sports tryouts, improving your mile time, getting into yoga or anything in between, recruiting a friend to join and hold you accountable is always a good idea. Try switching up your workouts or activities and trying new ones to keep yourself motivated and on track. There are thousands of videos and articles online to assist you in your goals, as well. 

If your resolution is taking down the monster of procrastination, you better not put it off until tomorrow. Start by making a to-do list and planning out when you’ll complete each item. Use different websites, apps or even a physical planner to help you keep track. Find what works best for you—trial and error is your best friend here. Work efficiently by switching up your studying locations to keep your mind alert and focused. To stay on task, try working for 25 minutes at a time and then taking a five minute break. Find the method that works best for you and in no time you won’t have to stress about barely making that midnight deadline. 

Deciding to become the best version of yourself is so rewarding and the perfect 2021 goal. Taking care of your mental health and well-being should always be a top priority. Start small by learning to meditate, reading before bed or trying a new hobby. Reach out to friends you’ve lost contact with and try complimenting someone new every day. These actions boost your serotonin and strengthen the connections with those around you. 

Regardless of your New Year’s resolutions and how you approach them, stick with your goals for 2021 and don’t let them become a distant memory. Make this year the best one yet, and remember you’re not alone in this journey. We’re all constantly growing and learning together.