Resolution revolution

“Learn how to drive.” “Hit the gym.” “Become a Dean’s Lister.” Sound familiar? These may or may not have been the new year’s resolutions exchanged around the dinner table just one year earlier.

Fast forward twelve months, and it’s that time of the year again: the arrival of January, and with it, promises we make ourselves in an attempt to change our lifestyle for the better. Whether it’s as simple as saving up a portion of our allowance every week, or as drastic as shedding twenty pounds, we all enjoy making resolutions. After all, the annual tradition is a fun and exciting way to start the new year.

However, it seems like over time, resolutions have become a bit stale. Year in and year out, people set the same goals they did twelve months ago.This new year, in an effort to mix things up, we at The LaSallian present a set of challenges that work hand-in-hand with the generic promises everyone seems to make. Read on as we list down some unique spins on classic new year’s resolutions.

The Resolution: Exercise

The Challenge: Take the stairs to your Andrew class (and every other class, for that matter)

When having to balance classes, extra-curricular activities, time with family and friends, and everything else, good ‘ol exercise can get lost in the shuffle. While we tell ourselves every January that this year will finally be the year we make time for the gym, we often forget the importance of working out. So why not incorporate exercise while going to class? Taking the stairs to your classes in Andrew building (and every other building, for that matter) is a good way to keep your body active. While it may not be the key to getting that model figure you always wanted, it’s definitely a healthy step in that direction.

Plus, elevator lines will be shorter.

The Resolution: Become a Dean’s Lister

The Challenge: Stop cutting!

For the average subject, students get five free cuts across the term. Five chances to miss a class without an approved absence, five ‘lifelines’, if you will, before the student officially fails the subject due to absence. Students have a tendency to maximize these free cuts, missing lectures for a variety of reasons.

For those who have resolved to get higher grades this academic year and either achieve or maintain that coveted dean’s lister status, the cutting must stop. The next time it feels like it’s a good idea to cut, shake off that laziness and remind yourself about the importance of showing up to class. Whether the professor checks attendance or not, attending every lecture is the first step in boosting your grades. And who knows, there might be incentives!

The Resolution: Eat healthier

The Challenge: Limit Agno food to once a week

Every year, we tell ourselves that this year will be the time when we finally start dieting and eating healthy. Though we try to follow through with our obligation to our health, more often than not, we end up losing the resolve to eat right. So instead of trying to force salads and smoothies into our body, why not just cut down on the junk. How? One way might be limiting the number of times you eat at Agno. While it’s one of the cheapest and convenient ways to grab a bite during your break, it’s also one of the unhealthiest. Sure, losing the chance to grab some pancit canton might not be something to get excited about, but the health benefits can’t be ignored. So while it’s okay to indulge every once in a while, it’s usually best to step away from the greasy fried chicken. No one wants to be diabetic by the time they leave college.

The Resolution: Pick up a new hobby

The Challenge: Join or try out for a new org

It’s common for students to want to learn new skills, from driving to playing a new sport and everything else in between. Often, though, students lose the will and drive to pick up a new hobby as they get busier over the year. A good way to keep that drive ignited is by joining one of the several organizations around DLSU.

Whether you want to improve as a dancer, writer, photographer, or athlete, there’s sure to be an org or club that’s for you. Between the performing groups in the Culture and Arts Office, the media groups under the Student Media Office, and the professional and special interest orgs under CSO, you can definitely discover a new passion and have a lot of fun along the way, too. Meanwhile, for those who feel like born leaders, the USG awaits.

The Resolution: Save money

The Challenge: Spend less on lunch

For the students who resolved to cut down on spending and build up their savings for the coming year, it might be a good idea to think twice about where you eat for lunch. Instead of always going back to pricier restaurants around U-Mall or One Archers Place, why not eat at Perico’s or La Casitas for a change? Instead of ordering at Starbucks, why not try one of the new stalls around Animo Biz? Plus, there are countless places around Taft where you can grab a bite without overspending. Restaurants such as the famous Noel’s to lesser known eateries like Lola Edeng’s are stationed all around the area. While frequently visiting these places might make it difficult to maintain that healthy lifestyle, your wallet will be sure to thank you for it. And if all else fails, you can always bring your own baon.

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It’s always fun to set a goal for yourself at the beginning of the new year, and whether your goal revolves around the numbers on the weighing scale or the numbers on your grades, it doesn’t hurt to come up with new ways to go about accomplishing your own personal resolutions. January signals the time and opportunity to change ourselves for the better. Between the promises and challenges we set for ourselves, we hopefully take the step towards becoming the people we want to be.