Once the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, we make a list of new plans for life. New gym memberships. New diets. We set promises to improve our unhealthy habits and start to do better. After midterms, these resolutions start to collect dustballs. So let’s try to reframe our mindsets and keep it real. Yes, New Year’s resolutions are helpful, but can they also be overrated, unrealistic goals?Â
For a lot of college students, resolutions can ignite feelings of being overwhelmed, pressured and exhausted before even starting them! As young adults, we are already trying to figure out who we are and balance school, family acceptance and friendships. Making a long list of goals to “fix yourself” can make us feel like we aren’t enough, and that is simply not true.Â
Growth is good. But change doesn’t happen overnight. Change isn’t timed or measured; it can be slow, unorganized and unbalanced. But self-love and intentions can be better. Instead of resolutions and immediate goals, perhaps intentions can focus less on precision and more on reality.Â
Another reality is, you don’t have to start on January 1or January 2. The truth is, you can start in July if you want to. New years resolutions may be overrated and overused. But growth isn’t. Wanting to better yourself isn’t.Â
“New year, new you” can change to “New year, just be you”!