One of my favorite quotes by author C.S. Lewis is when he said, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.” His words resonate deeply with me in a season where life can feel like an endless routine of study, eat, sleep, repeat.Â
Finals are upon us and with them the pressure that comes with all of the hard work you’ve put in throughout the semester summed up in a single exam. The constant stream of assignments, projects, quizzes, and continuous studying has all been leading up to this moment. Upon reflecting on the (academic) year, nothing seemed particularly out of the ordinary. Yes, I learned new skills, challenged myself, and strengthened existing relationships, but somehow none of it feels significant.Â
Again I am reminded of Lewis’ simple yet profound words, a reminder of the power of compound habits and consistency over time. On second thought, things really did change this year. I changed. I grew, I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, failed more than I succeeded, and continued to try again.Â
When you’re in the midst of life, it’s easy to forget just how much our daily decisions impact our everyday lives. The small habits you protect, routines you prioritize, and choosing to do the hard thing rather than taking the easy way out truly make a difference.Â
Sure planning for the future is important, but so much is still so uncertain. What we can control is how we move forward by reflecting on what worked and what didn’t in the past. Instead of overhauling your life in hopes of seeing a significant change, reflect on what is already working, shaping you into the person you want to be, and protect those things. It may feel as if nothing has changed, but when we look back, everything is different.