I’m hesitant to write this article because if there’s one thing I learned from my freshman year of college it’s that things don’t always go as planned…actually the longer I live the more it feels like things never go exactly as planned. However, I don’t think this means to throw all your to do lists, goals, and plans out the window. I think it means we make lists, goals, and plans with open hands. Make them ready to let go of them if needed. With all that said, here are 3 goals I’d like to make for my sophomore year.

1. Read More

Over the summer, I got the chance to read some great books. These books filled me up in many ways I didn’t realize I even needed. Although I know that I won’t be reading a book a week, I want to make it a goal to give myself the freedom to set aside time to read a book simply because I enjoy it. (Opposed to reading a book because I will have a quiz on the reading the following day.) I’m not sure what this goal will ultimately look like. Maybe reading more simply means that I will finish one book this semester or maybe it means I’ll finish five. Either way, I want to allow for space in my life to simply read.

2. Choose Authenticity

I think many of us are guilty of trying to be someone were not. I know I’m guilty of that. Freshman year felt like there was an immense pressure to be who everyone around me wanted me to be. This pressure, of course, was placed on me by only me. I convinced myself that I couldn’t be fully myself because I wouldn’t be accepted. However, as I’ve begun choosing authenticity more and more, I’ve come to realize people like me a whole lot more when I’m being me than when I’m trying to be a cheap imitation of someone else. So this year, I choose authenticity.

3. Be All In

I’m sick of doing things half-way or half-heartedly. I want to sit down with someone and ask how their semester is going and really care about the answer with my whole heart. I want to lead worship in chapel with my whole being, putting my all in every word I say or sing. I want to be totally present in every situation God puts me in every day. I don’t want to be in a conversation but at the same time be thinking about what’s on my to do list. I want to be completely invested in Judson University because that’s where God has me in this season of life. No looking back and no trying to fast forward. I want to be present.

Freshman year was great. Sophomore year will be even greater. I’m excited to go into this year with these goals in mind, but also holding them with open hands for the Lord to shape and mold into His plan.