As the New Year is upon us, many of us consider the changes we want to make in our personal and professional lives - the dreaded New Year’s Resolution. Unfortunately for most who attempt behavioral change, the phase ends quickly, and we resort back to the same behavior that prompted the resolution in the first place. In fact, according to one report, only 12% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions.
Though I’m not a huge fan of “resolutions” for that very reason, I am always encouraging people to make positive change. Roommate and other interpersonal relationships can improve with a little positive thought and effort.
For 2010, I suggest the following roomMATE Resolutions.
- Maturity. Maturity is like responsibility. Being a good roommate requires a certain amount of maturity to maintain workable relationships and take care of your sh*t. Overall, be cooperative and flexible while negotiating the variety of conflicts that arise in roommate scenarios. One great working tip is to put yourself in your roommate’s shoes - how would you behave or react? Is their position fair?
- Attitude. Work on changing your attitude. All of us can improve our level of optimism, which is the manner in which we explain events in our lives. Optimistic people tend to be happier and experience more success - and even better health. Who doesn’t want that? Just keep this in mind as you go through your day - every day. Conscientious thought will help with this one.
- Time Management. Many of us procrastinate. We put off assignments for school, projects for work and paying the rent and other bills. Make a commitment to better time management by taking on one task at a time - start it and complete it. Don’t move on until you have completed it. This focus will help you achieve more in less time.
- Evolve. Every day make yourself better. A better friend, a better person, a better roommate. Do one thing each day that betters you (and, by extension, your roommate or someone else) in one of these areas. If you are able to do that, you will live a more satisfying life.
Remember, though, that behavior change takes time and effort. Don’t expect perfection or major change immediately. If you fall of the horse, don’t beat yourself up - just keep trying. You and your roommate will appreciate it.
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