Farewell 2017 and hello 2018 – it’s time for bigger and better things. You know what they say: an ending is just a beginning somewhere else. The start of a new year is the perfect time for millions of people to turn the page and start fresh. Whether it’s going to the gym more, connecting with old friends or crossing items off the bucket list, New Year’s resolutions can serve as a wonderful inspiration that helps people grow and improve as individuals. What better way to ring in the New Year than taking a look at some New Year’s resolutions we could all adopt; because the only thing better than growing, is growing together.
Travel somewhere new
It’s been said that travel is the only thing you can buy that truly makes you richer. Many travel lovers say that travel is a huge learning experience, allowing you to learn about other cultures, other nations, but maybe just as important, about yourself. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a great way to grow as a person, and traveling somewhere new is like a crash course in personal growth! Can’t think of anywhere to go? ILSC is home to 9 amazing, unique cities around the world, and you will meet friends from all over the world– that’s a pretty good start! Whether it’s for a weekend, a week or a month, going to a place you have never been before will be more than just a nice getaway; it can teach you about the others, the world, and you.
Learn a new language
You probably saw this one coming, we are an English language school after all. It’s been said before that language is the key that unlocks the doors of life – and we see that to be a fact every day. There are plenty of reasons to learn a new language Having one (or two, or three) other languages that you speak on your resume will open up a whole world of job opportunities and may be the competitive edge you need to score your dream job! It also is an awesome chance to meet and communicate with new people. Lastly, learning a new language is a great way to keep your brain sharp and learn how to be a better learner. Challenge yourself and check your language learning progression by taking internationally recognized language tests.
Say “yes!” to life
This year, make 2018 the year of “yes!” Saying yes could be the start of many adventures. Whether it’s yes to going out and meeting new people, picking up a new hobby (did we mentioned try learning a new language?) or complimenting that stranger – “say yes!” We don’t mean saying yes to something that would make you feel uncomfortable, rather, saying yes to things that will help you stretch and grow, and make 2018 your best year yet. There have been plenty of these types of experiments where people decided to say yes to whatever positive opportunity was presented to them – and the results seem to be life-changing. A successful TV producer, Shonda Rimes, took this challenge and when it was over she said, “The very act of doing the thing that scared me un-did the fear, made it not scary,” she says. “‘Yes’ changed my life. ‘Yes’ changed me.” We’ll say yes to that!
Stop procrastinating
Let’s face it, we’ve all done it. Especially with all of the distractions, we have literally at our fingertips; these days it seems easier than ever. Did you know it’s estimated the average adult spends almost 3 hours a day on their phone? That’s over 86 hours a month! Procrastination can be the thing that stops you from doing all of the other New Year’s resolutions on this list. There are several tips and tricks to help you avoid this common habit and hopefully applying them will help you get one step closer to where you want to be. One helpful tip would be to tell other people about your goals! This makes you more accountable because it’s no longer just a personal wish, but it’s something you’ve told people you plan to do. Ask them to follow up with you and check in on your progress to keep you on track. In your day to day, tiny things like changing your environment when trying to get work done, breaking your work and goals into tinier steps and asking an expert (someone who has already achieved it!) are things that make sure this can be a new year and a new you.
Get involved
Have you ever heard someone says that you only get what you give? This is especially true when it comes to getting involved with the community and volunteering. Not only does helping others in one way or another make you feel fulfilled as a person, but it looks great on a resume! Employers love to see when a potential candidate has gotten involved in a cause – even if it means not receiving money in return because it really says a lot about a person. Another reason volunteering would be a great New Year’s resolution is that you can choose to get involved in a cause that may be near and dear to your heart, whether its literacy, the environment, or empowering women. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
It only makes sense that as one year ends and another begins, we reflect on the past, and make plans for the future. Setting New Year’s Resolutions as goals and coming up with a plan to follow them is the perfect way to make sure that each coming year is better than the last, and that we are one step closer towards where we want to be. Keep in mind you don’t have to adopt all of the resolutions at once; depending on where you are in life you may want to try one, all, or make up your very own! Just remember the whole point of a New Year’s Resolution is to be out with the old, and in with the new (you!) Now, it’s your turn – what are some of your New Year’s resolutions? Feel free to take any (or all!) of these! Let us know on social media using #myILSC!
