Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

Why I Don't Do New Year's Resolutions

Yes, laziness is part of it, but there's definitely more to it.

Sasha_Dav

Jan 17, 2019

University of Southern California

146

Photo by Pexels

Everyone bombards you with that one nagging question once 11:59 becomes 12:00 on New Year's: "What are your New Year's Resolutions?!". Usually asked with a gleeful smile and only brought up because they actually have measurable goals for the new year. I find myself giving the same answers every year but with a fading comic effect as the truth rears its ugly head as time progresses: I'm going to sleep more! This doesn't cut it anymore sadly. Responses range from "that's it?" to "haha no really," and I inevitably feel bad for not having even thought about how I can improve my life for this year.

2019 is different for me. I've realized something after completing my first semester at college and I think it permits me to not feel goalless all the time. I don't need to think about any resolutions for this new year, because I've been working towards the same goals year after year. I want to make a name for myself, whether in my new college community or back at home. I want to train my heart out to make the USC track team, and I won't care if I make it or not because I will regret it till I die if I never at least try. I want to make a living early in life and be able to provide for a family in the future. These are not new thoughts. In fact, these weren't even new for last year.

The basis of avoiding regret and taking charge of my life is one that I constantly feel a nagging pull to achieve. I'm not saying I need to become a CEO of a top company, or become the most public figure on my campus, or be the Olympic trials athlete for the track team (but that would be pretty awesome). I'm saying I find value in the process of life instead of the finality of it all. A bit outdated of a phrase would be it's all about the journey and not the destination. Unfortunately, I haven't devised a refreshing contemporary parallel for this, so cliche is my direction for now. All in all, resolutions with such a definite goal in mind are good, but if you don't achieve them for this year, there may be some feelings of regret or maybe a loss of motivation. Turn these resolutions into "journey-oriented" goals and you'll feel greater the moment you start them.

7 Reasons To Watch One Tree Hill

"There is only one tree hill, Jaime Scott."

Susquehanna University

Wikipedia Commons

If you need a new series to watch, I recommend One Tree Hill. I watched this series three times now and it only keeps getting better. If you need any more reasons beside the fact that all of the seasons are on Netflix for your binge-watching pleasure, here are seven more reasons to watch it.

Keep Reading...Show less

one tree hill

Relationships

The 5 Pros and Cons Of Long Distance Friendships

Being friends with someone thousands of miles away has its drawbacks and perks.

Butler University

949

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

True friendship is incredibly rare, and to find a friend that will be there for you through all of life's curveballs is something quite unique. To add distance into the equation, maintaining a real, true friendship can be a struggle. There are good and bad parts that come with long distance friendship.

Keep Reading...Show less

long distance friendship

Relationships

What I've Learned About Friendship During My First Year Of High School

Friendship isn't always as easy as it's made out to be.

Tuscaloosa, AL

652

Tori Horne

Friendship. It's defined as the state of being attached to another person by feelings of affection or personal regard, but what really is friendship? Is it that occasional hallway talk with that one person who always manages to cheer you up? Is it that relationship you have with someone where they can be gone for a long period of time, but when they come back, it's like they never left? Is it spending every waking hour with someone, and knowing every detail about their life? Is it the relationship that's filled with fighting, but filled with even more resolution? I've learned that it's all of these things, and every friendship is different. It's a beautifully dysfunctional mess that should always be cherished and never be taken for granted.

Keep Reading...Show less

high school

Relationships

25 Things I Want My Younger Cousins To Know

A little advice for my original best friends

Missouri State University

2054

Bailey Totten

I've known you your entire life. More than likely I held you in the first three days of it and at least one of us cried. Cousins are truly one of the best things in the world and while sometimes I complain about how many people crowd Grandma's living room on Christmas Eve, I wouldn't trade you all anything.

You are my best friends, the only people who can understand what it's like on Thanksgiving, and you are the spunkiest people I have ever met. But you as so so young, most of you are just now starting your adventures in the public education system. I mean, I'm so very young too. I'm not married, I don't have children, heck, I just started my adult life, but I do want to give you what little advice I have. My dears, these are the things I want you to know.