If we’re being honest, New Year’s resolutions never actually work. You spend January and maybe February working on yourself, maybe going to the gym or eating better. Then you skip one day, which turns into two, and suddenly it’s August, and you haven’t seen the gym in months. I say all this because this is me every year. So instead of starting on Jan. 1, I am making changes now that will lead to a significantly better year. Here’s what I’m manifesting for the new year.
1. Consistency Over Intensity
Like many college students, I find myself focused on how much I am doing rather than the fact that I’m moving forward at all. I don’t have to be all in or all out. I want to show up for myself in small ways, like having a clean room, a realistic study routine or drinking enough water. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to matter.
2. Friendships That Feel Like Home
This year, I want friendships that are soft, supportive and safe. The kind where you don’t have to explain yourself. The kind that looks like late-night Walmart runs, study sessions that turn into life talks and people who ask, “Are you actually okay?” and mean it. I am not saying by any means that I don’t already have these friendships, just that these are the only kinds I will entertain this year.
3. Confidence That Isn’t Conditional
This is not the kind of confidence that comes only on good hair days or when I get an A on a midterm. I want confidence that’s grounded in knowing I am enough as I am. I’m letting go of the idea that confidence only exists when everything is going perfectly. I am allowed to feel good about myself for just existing.
4. Saying “Yes” to Things That Scare Me (Just a Little)
Not in a reckless way, more like an intentional one. I want to apply for that internship even if I think I’m underqualified. I want to go on that date. I want to get that tattoo. I want to be a little uncomfortable in the best way: the kind that leads to growth.
5. Rest That Doesn’t Require Guilt
If my body needs a break, I’m taking it. If I need a day to reset, I’m honoring it. Rest is productive. Restoration is necessary. I don’t have to earn a break by burning myself out first. I’m learning to honor it. I’m done tying my worth to my productivity. I don’t need to earn my rest or justify doing nothing for an afternoon. I’m manifesting a more comfortable lifestyle.
6. Redirecting My Comparison Energy Into Inspiration
On a campus of thousands, it’s easy to feel you’re behind academically, socially or even personally. It’s nearly impossible not to compare yourself to others. This year, I’m flipping that feeling. If I see someone doing something cool, I’ll see it as proof that it’s possible. It isn’t a reminder that I’m not there yet, just that it can be done and I should do everything I can to reach that goal.
7. Trusting the Timing
This might be the hardest one. There’s no perfect timeline for college, success, love, friendships or figuring life out. I’m manifesting peace with where I am, while still being excited about where I’m going. I’m manifesting patience and presence. I don’t have to have everything figured out at 19, 20 and 21. Life is not a race. I believe anything that I need will come to me, and any opportunity I don’t get will lead to something better.
8. Romanticizing the Small Moments
Not every day will be life-changing or even interesting. But there is joy in the little things like grabbing Starbucks with friends, sunsets over The Columns or even how calming sitting alone is. I want to notice these moments instead of rushing through them.
Here’s the truth, manifesting isn’t magic; it’s my intention. It’s deciding what matters and gently steering yourself in that direction. It’s picking yourself back up when you fall out of your routine and not abandoning everything because it wasn’t perfect. This year, I am choosing myself. Slowly, softly and consistently. Here’s to the version of us we are becoming.