As the end of 2014 approaches, people not only reflect on what this last year has been for them, but anticipate the excitement of the new year. This time of year is a chance for students to set new goals for themselves in the fairly common tradition of writing resolutions.

Writing New Year’s resolutions can prove to be challenging. Even I have trouble forcing myself to get out the pen and paper to write. Nonetheless, the task can be rewarding in the end, and prove to be the start of a new you! Here, I list what I think are the basic steps for writing resolutions.

1. Gather what you need and sit in a comfortable place.

Like I’ve mentioned before, some paper (most prefer notebook paper, but writing on pretty stationary works well too and something to write with (a pencil is best) is all you need. Since you might have to think and write for a while, make sure you are sitting somewhere comfortable, like a desk, sofa, bed, or reading nook.

2. Brainstorm changes you want to see in you this upcoming year.

Reflect on the past year and your accomplishments. Was there anything you regret not doing? Anything you wanted to try and do next year? Start listing changes you want to see in you and your life. It could be of any aspect in your life. You can even break your brainstorming list into sections. Any grades you want to see get better? Maybe you don’t want to be a potato couch? Want to spend more time with your family or out in your community? Be simple and straightforward with your thoughts.

3. Create goals from your list of “desired changes”.

This step is always the hardest. The mistake most people make when setting goals for themselves is that they aren’t specific or make them attainable. Be honest with yourself, and know when a goal is too difficult for you to reach. It’s totally fine to conquer a “desired change” in multiple small steps. Also, be as specific as you can possibly be. Say one of your desired changes is to go out on a date. You set a goal of “ask someone out”. This goal is a whole lot easier to conquer if you specify who it is you want to ask out. If you’re not sure, be as specific as you can. You could specify what type of person you want to go out on a date with.

4. Finally, a crucial step most people forget is to post this resolution in a place you’ll see it everyday.

Most people don’t continue these goals past New Year’s Day because they forget or lack the motivation to. If you put the list somewhere that’ll urge you to try, it’ll make you more successful at achieving it. Bulletin boards, refrigerators, and bathroom mirrors work best.

I hope 2015 proves to be an amazing year for all of you. Go Tides and good luck with those resolutions!