Rewarding Resolutions

It’s 2010 and the hangover has subsided. Back to reality we go with a horrid thud as weeks of festive celebrations, family feasts and late nights come to a close. During this readjustment period we tend to focus inwardly on the importance of a whole new year and our part to play in it. Oh the first week in January holds such promise doesn’t it? With thoughts of all the possibilities, achievements and personal potential to explore, it’s time to make those outlandish claims to better ourselves by the time the bells chime in another year.
In the past I have always found that making resolutions can be a largely frustrating experience- it involves a level of commitment and stamina to even sign up to a street dance class let alone attend, and then after vocalising the decision I’m left with nothing but the shameful reminder of a failed good intention. I present to you a list of resolutions that require minimal effort, are achievable and will at the very least make a small difference to the next 12 months of your life.

Get competitive
A fun resolution to begin our list and no I don’t mean join a sports club or start your own squash team. Who likes to win? It feels good doesn’t it, especially if that win comes from simply writing an answer and your name on a form. For our first resolution try entering more free competitions. Regardless of the prize get involved with quizzes, surveys and games- making sure there are no hidden charges, fees or dialling of premium rate phone numbers. Ok I can’t guarantee you’ll win but it’ll force you to think more positively, which is good for the soul…and after months of applying the law of averages should at some point be on your side.

The Library
Join your local library. Students who frequent the uni/college library will know that it can be a stressful business booking equipment, reserving items and generally getting space to study at peak times. Public libraries are vastly underused providing free internet and a dedicated ordering service with reliable delivery dates. You’ll find time to research and access the net at your own pace and with a lower daily volume of users than the campus library you’ll have back-up support when the deadlines are looming. Signing up takes a matter of minutes and if anything it’s a warm place to visit when you’ve forgotten to pay the gas bill.

Prove Loyalty
Please do not confuse loyalty cards with store credit cards- which may seem patronising but you’d be surprised how many people choose to believe by not paying up front for those new shoes (and therefore racking up an interest rate of doom) that they’re somehow getting a bargain. Loyalty cards work as a points system and are advertised as ‘rewarding the customer’ after every purchase. Your aim is to hold onto every stamped loyalty card that is issued to you as these will rapidly add up- especially in stores, supermarkets or coffee shops you visit regularly. And nothing beats the satisfaction of paying for an item with a piece of inked cardboard.

Own Wheels
Of course if you live remotely this resolution may seem unlikely, but to the town dwellers and halls residents, how about investing in a bike? There may be a lot of options with regards to public transport for students living in the town, but these costs mount quickly and hopping the occasional taxi can be an unwelcome expense. Forget the ticket fares and cycle to your destination. Bikes can be picked up fairly cheaply second hand, although a rusty version needing some tender loving care is probably pining for you in the back of the family shed. Having your own bike will also count towards those over ambitious resolutions about keeping fit.

Volunteer
Perhaps a resolution that asks more of your time than the rest- volunteering is definitely the most rewarding. Being a volunteer is a great way to develop your skills in real work place situations. Choose a placement that gives you a taste of where your degree could take you and build up experience and contacts. This can be worked around your weekend or days off and will make a difference to those you are assisting and more often than not, to your flourishing CV.
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This article was published in Scotcampus (Jan 2010)
www.scotcampus.com