“New Year, New Me” is a phrase that we hear often around this time of year- and it feels good to say but what does it mean? I think the meaning to everyone will be different but it in general it shows that the New Year is representative of a new beginning for many of us- and this feels good. What feels not so good- to me at least- is all the goals that I set and have no clue how to do all these things and make these subtle changes all at once.
As a college student life can be a bit busy and overwhelming at times. Pairing rigorous studies with the other aspects of life itself is no easy task to take on. This sometimes make these changes feel impossible when we have a lot of them. Over the years, the idea of the change that the new year brings with it has evolved for me. I am still setting goals and hopeful of reaching them, but I also understand the expression that “Rome was not built in a day”. This meaning that I personally cannot expect myself to take on these new things all at once without feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Overwhelmed because they feel like a lot, then I don’t do them , then I feel anxious - and the cycle continues.
One thing that has made me feel better about this cycle though- is realizing that I’m not the only one. I am not alone in feeling this way- especially with persons at my age. Trying to do all these things at once in fact are not easy. So I have done some research on what I can do to mitigate this feeling all while crushing my goals and I would love to share with you different things that I found.
- Start small by setting achievable goals. Break down your bigger goals into smaller, easier to accomplish tasks and make sure to reward yourself for progress made.
- Make a plan for how you will achieve each goal, and stay organized with a note board or calendar.
- Make the rewards for completing goals something that excites you.
- Connect with friends and family and create accountability buddies. Knowing someone else is counting on you to your goals can both hold you accountable and give you an extra motivation boost when you’re feeling discouraged.
- Make sure to take time for yourself. Set aside enough time for self-care, relaxation and resetting.
- When you inevitably hit a roadblock find something else to refocus on until you can address the issue.
- Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.
Remember that creating new habits can be difficult, but you are not alone! Finding what works for you may take some time and starting over is okay. What has really helped me is keeping in mind that I should have my whole life ahead of me and I don’t have to accomplish all my goals in one year. This was a reminder I wish someone would have given me a long time ago, but I am here to give it to you. I am in college just like you- and here to remind you that your life’s journey is a personal one and you can do whatever you put your mind to in due time.