Discovery Girls

By Naomi Kirsten

Successful Resolutions
Think no one ever succeeds in keeping New Year’s resolutions? These girls did!

One of my long-term resolutions has always been to make sure no one feels left out or unpopular. I greet everyone with a smile and talk to people in a friendly way. The hardest thing about keeping this resolution was being nice to the so-called “social outcasts.” But after a while, I found that they weren’t so bad after all! In fact, they were pretty friendly!

–Isabella, age 13, Minn.

My resolution last year was to clean my room more often and make my bed in the morning. Luckily, I share a room with my sister, who’s a really tidy person. She helped me keep my resolution on track. Now, instead of stuffing anything just about anywhere, I sort it out and put it in the right place. It actually doesn’t take much longer!

–Meghan, age 11, Minn.

I’m the sugar and carb queen, so I never really expected my resolution to cut down on sweets to last. But two days into my resolution, I found out that I was allergic to corn syrup, which is in all sorts of sweets. Now I only have a sweet once a week and it’s homemade, so I know exactly what is in it. I actually feel better, and it’s had a great impact on my staying in shape.

–Isabella, age 14, Minn.

I resolved to pass the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge. I decided to train for the mile by running at the high school track. At first, I walked and ran. Even if I felt tired, I’d make myself go to the track, telling myself I could just walk. But when I got there, I’d just start running. I stuck with it, and now I can run two miles!

–Logan, age 9, Calif.

New Resolutions
Looking for tips for keeping this year’s resolution? You’re not alone!

My resolution for this year is to stand straight! The only way I know to stop slouching is to remember to stand straight, and I can’t remember this all the time! Any suggestions?

–Isabella, age 13, Minn.

It may help to tape a small sign to your desk that says “Sit up straight!” Or try wearing a rubber band around your wrist as a reminder. You can even enlist the help of a friend. Ask her to send you a secret signal when she sees you slouching. Soon you’ll start paying attention to your posture at other times as well, and eventually a straight back will just be second nature.

I’ll be zoning in on academic resolutions now that I’m in the seventh grade. I need help keeping up with reports and everyday assignments.

–Martha, age 12, Minn.

Use binders, folders, and a calendar or daily planner to help keep you organized and on track. Break down long-term assignments into smaller parts, and set up a schedule for getting them done with time to spare, and start studying for tests well ahead of time. Before long, you’ll be basking in those A’s!

I make the same resolution every year—to keep my room clean! I always start out well. I organize everything during Christmas break, but as I become busier with school and friends, it seems easier to have little piles of stuff everywhere instead of taking the time to put everything in its proper place.
 –Clarissa, age 12, Minn.

Try a new strategy this year: Put aside a half-hour every night for getting your life in order. Consider it homework—write “Clean room!” on your calendar along with your assignments. Organize papers in designated folders or desk drawers, put clothes away, and rid your room of piles. Remember: This isn’t a chore—it’s your life!

I really want to stop biting my nails. They look horrible!
–Jule, age 13, Minn.

For a few days, just make a note of when you bite your nails, then look for trends. Were you watching TV, or worrying about a fight with your best friend? Then, try to find a substitute that suits the times you’re most likely to nibble: Take up knitting while watching TV or keep a squishy ball handy to squeeze when you’re stressed.

Meghan in the Middle
This year’s resolution is going to be not fighting with my siblings. With a sister in 8th grade and a brother in second, I’m stuck in the middle—and usually in the middle of fights!
–Meghan, age 11, Minn.

Just remember this: It takes two to fight. When your brother starts whining or your big sis gives you a smirk the size of Alaska, politely say, “I don’t want to fight with you!” or “I need to finish my homework,” then walk away.

Whatever your resolution, it’s bound to take some work. (If it were easy to accomplish, you’d have already done it, right?) Don’t get discouraged if you slip up or things don’t go perfectly; just keep trying until you succeed. Remember: There’s someone very important counting on you—you!