As we've previously stated, 2016 is primed to be an epic year in Chicago. To prepare for the amazing 12 months ahead, some of our editors decided to focus on self-improvement by making resolutions for the new year. Perhaps we were a little too optimistic about our ability to change, though, because some of us have already broken our promises to ourselves in the first week. We've assembled our transgressions here so you can learn from our mistakes. Remember: You still have (almost) an entire year to ditch old habits, so don't let a few slip ups discourage you.
I skipped one of my first workouts of the year in favor of drinking beers at Quenchers Saloon's Stout Fest. Anything that increases your heart rate counts as exercise, right?
My goal to walk more in 2016 hit a snag when I boarded a bus to travel to the Walgreens located three blocks away from my apartment. It's cold outside.
I planned to stop drinking coffee, but I ordered chai tea with two shots of espresso. That's totally different, right?
My resolve to stop spending too much money on GrubHub (being single plus delivery minimums means always ordering more than you can eat) went out the window with a late-night pizza craving on January 3.
I intended to cook more in 2016, but then the siren call of 5411 Empanadas for lunch foiled me again.
I vowed to stop smoking, but then I smoked a celebratory cigarette just after midnight. As far as I'm concerned, the new year doesn't really begin until you wake up the next morning.
I tried to go one weekend without seeing Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but then I snagged tickets to a screening at the IMAX on Navy Pier.
I promised to get out there and make some new friends in 2016, but then Downton Abbey returned. And I still need to watch Master of None. And I've got Making a Murderer in my Netflix queue.