It’s the beginning of a new semester and a new year, and in the midst of juggling new courses and schedules, we are still desperately trying to cling to our optimistic New Year’s resolutions. Few make it to December, others last a whole month. But most of us can’t get past the first week.
I’m definitely one of those people who tend to forget about their resolutions within the first few weeks of January. So, I started using visual compilations to help me stay motivated and keep track of my goals.
As a visual learner, writing resolutions down on paper doesn’t inspire me at all. Instead, I’ve tested out a few fun ways to display them.
I usually have a small set of goals I want to achieve each year, and once I establish a list I go on Pinterest to find do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to display around my dorm room.
Here are three of my favorites:
Rotating Goal Poster
You’ll need:
- poster board or construction paper
- markers
- sticky notes
- a ruler
Start by writing a phrase or quote that you find inspirational and fill the remaining space by drawing four or five boxes. Each box can represent a daily, weekly or monthly goal, depending on how you want to rotate your resolutions.
On each sticky note, write down a goal you want to accomplish, and place in one of the boxes. Do this for the rest of your goals and swap them out for fresh ideas once they’ve been completed.
This is a productive design for those who prefer to break up their yearly resolutions.
Vision Board
You’ll need:
- poster board
- magazines
- scissors
- markers
- glue
…and creativity.
This project is basically a collage, but one that holds a deep meaning with the pieces you will add.
Once you have a clear picture of your vision and how you want it represented, leaf through a stack of magazines. Cut out any words or pictures that highlight your goals.
After you have a substantial amount of cutouts, start on the board. Create a big and bold title, something that embodies your resolutions, then design the board however you like.
The final product can hang on your wall, or somewhere it can be seen every day.
Polaroid Display
You’ll need:
- reminiscent Polaroid-style photographs
Polaroids are a creative way to display memories from past adventures, which can serve as motivational reminders of things you may want to do again or improve. This method can be especially useful if you aim to work on health, fitness or travel. Write down a word or phrase for each picture that best represents a goal.
These displays can be placed on a mini fridge or arranged on an empty wall, perhaps accompanied by string lights.
If you’re feeling crafty, a popular approach seems to be hanging installations, which often comprise string, command strips or clothespins.
