6 Ways to Claim 2014

I’ve seen a hundred different variations of the same testimony, usually proclaimed on New Year’s Eve, with all of the gusto and bubbling enthusiasm that can be expected from standard self-improvement hopefuls: “[Insert year] is going to be my year!”

And then the new year comes, and the excitement begins to fade, and all of the hundreds of different resolutions that the masses so hurriedly pledged to are soon forgotten as easily as pineapple-flavored Yoplait in the fridge. Either that, or they actually try, fail, feel bad about it, break out the white wine and then decide that next year, in fact, will be their year.

Instead of resolutions that are doomed to flop (although I must admit, some people do stick to their oaths, and if you’re one of them, more power to you!), I’m offering some alternatives. Rather than trying to kick a habit or undertake something tedious and unrealistic, these six techniques for actually making 2014 yours are completely achievable. Give ’em a shot. What do you have to lose? 

1. Join something awesome.

A club. A gym. A church group, a sports team. Join something that gets you interacting with new people. That’s not to say your old friends are no longer worthy of you (that’s a little snobby, I think); just that sometimes making new ones is refreshing and energizing. Plus, breaking out of your bubble is healthy—you’ll instantly become more courageous. Practically Quasimodo level.

2. Read a book about why you’re amazing.

“A self-help book?!” you sputter in disgust. “Um, no.” But seriously, once you get over the idea, you’ll warm up to it. Because a) reading is awesome and b) who doesn’t want read about how extraordinary he or she is?! Read this one: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero (available on Amazon or Google Books). Or The Art of Non-conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World by Chris Guillebeau (available on Amazon or the Barnes & Noble website). If those titles fail to catch you, I don’t know what the hell to tell you. You must hate Harry Potter too.

3. Drink less.

As a college student, I see it all around me: Partying, partying, and more partying. Drinking isn’t bad—in moderation. But if you’re getting crazy every weekend, your liver is weeping uncontrollably and your dendrites are cursing the most foul of curses. Not only does drinking damage your body, which should be revered, but also, excessive alcohol ruins you. If you’re the kind of person who can only have fun when Budweiser is involved, then you need to do some serious reflecting. You’re better than that. Even if you don’t cut out alcohol completely, not drinking until you pass out is a decent start. Drink one less beer on your first try. If you make it, try two the next time, and then three. It’s a process, but it’s essential for your own good.

4. Subscribe to a blog and/or news outlet.

Instead of endlessly surfing your Twitter feed, read a story. Subscribe to a blog, personal or otherwise! Of course, I recommend this one. A few other options include The Daily Beast, which posts about everything from politics to entertainment to art, or Gawker, which also publishes content with a wide range of topics. Yahoo is another commendable source for news and other oddities. If you want to be really cool, and you’ve got a little extra cash, subscribe to USA Today, Time or The New York Times. Keep up with what’s happening, guys. You’ll find yourself thinking a little deeper and reflecting more about the world you live in. And then you’ll be able to use the word “sophisticated” when describing yourself in interviews.

5. Pick a day for charity.



Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, giving animals affection at a shelter, or donating 10 cans of SpaghettiOs to your local canned food drive, do something to make this earth better. The media is cluttered with awful stuff that people do, so reverse all of the wrongdoings by doing something nice. You’ll feel good, and you’ll set a fabulous example for the rest of mankind. Mark one day on your 12-month calendar that you’re dedicating to the greater good. If the kid in the picture can do it, you can.

6. Keep a journal.

You might be thinking that this is one of those “tedious and unrealistic” pledges I was talking about earlier. But hear me out: Writing is so therapeutic (you can trust me on this one).  And guys, it doesn’t even have to be daily—once a week will do the job. Pick a day, any day, and write about all that happened to you since your last entry. Or something you’re mad about, happy about, sad about. Write about anything. At the end of the year, you’ll totally be able to say that you have 2014 on record. Now that’s cool.