Life

Why You Should Only Pick One New Year's Resolution

by Chrissa Hardy

The new year is just a ball drop away, and you've got big plans for 2016. But in order to make 2016 a truly stellar year, I suggest picking just one New Year's resolution to focus on this year. Hear me out on this. Making more than one resolution (as most of us do) is actually a terrible idea. You come up with a list of major changes you want to make, you get overwhelmed by how hard it's going to be to essentially become a completely different person, and then you don't change anything at all. Isn't this a typical routine for all of us? I know it is for me. And then New Year's Eve turns out to be a serious bummer, because you realize you didn't accomplish anything.

So instead of setting yourself up for failure, why not make just one goal to accomplish in 2016? Because if there's only one thing on your to-do list, you'll probably do it, right? I mean, how hard can it be to do one thing in 365 days? Unless your resolution is "become a billionaire," then you've got this. Here are all the reasons you should create one box to check, and only make one New Year's resolution this year.

1. Because fresh starts are fun

There's so much hope at the start of the new year. By this time next year, your life could be completely different than it is now. Embrace the endless possibilities, and create a single goal that you can easily accomplish in the time allotted.

2. Because goal multitasking is usually a bad idea

You look at a long list of to-dos, and what's your first thought? Ugh, this is so much work. So making only one goal at a time will give you plenty of flexibility to meet these goals on your schedule. And once you accomplish one, you can focus on the next. But don't move ahead until the first one is done.

3. Because you deserve a win

There's no better feeling than self-pride. That sense of victory leads to self-love, self-confidence, and you kicking all kinds of butt in the world. So create only one resolution in order to reach that level of pride. You won't regret it.

4. Because we all need a little more patience in life

It's engrained in us to do a million things at once and seek out the instant gratification of social media approval. But patience will still be a virtue in 2016, and taking your time to complete your one resolution will remind you to take things slower.

5. Because this is a leap year

You will get an extra day this year to focus on your one goal. Take advantage of it!

6. Because this is an election year

Whether history is made with the first woman president, or something else happens entirely, the 2016 election will be huge. Big changes are coming to this country, and before that happens, you should enjoy the feeling of making a big change in your own life.

7. Because this is your year to succeed

Don't make this year just like every year prior. You deserve better. You deserve success.

8. Because you have your whole life ahead of you

I don't care how old you are — modern medicine is probably going to make us all immortal within the next decade (I hope, anyway), so there's puh-lenty of time to achieve all your other goals. Just pick one for this year, and leave the rest for the years to come.

Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Image: Unsplash; Giphy (8)