By: Israel Olabosinde
Every new year arrives with a familiar excitement: resolutions, promises, and carefully imagined versions of ourselves. At every crossing into a new year, our minds are invaded by ambitious plans and bottom-line principles meant to guide our existence forward. Suddenly, change is declared simply because the calendar has turned.
However, change is not imposed by the rising of a new sun. It is not automatic, nor is it magical. Real change is a gradual process driven by a disciplined mindset and a clearly fixed objective. Much of what we call new year resolutions is often emotional rust, impulsive hopes that deserve reflection to determine whether they are truly realistic.
Too often, we load our baskets with countless objectives, forgetting that we are human beings and not supernatural entities. To prioritize means to intentionally select what truly matters. When we overload ourselves with endless to-do lists, we do not only fail to execute them, we rob ourselves of clarity. The most pressing goals become lost in the noise of excessive ambition.
As students, our responsibilities are already demanding. Academics, side businesses, relationships, and organizational commitments all compete for attention. Many of us pledge loyalty and responsibility to one or more organizations while still struggling to balance personal growth. Yet, our primary assignment must remain our major focus. Every other commitment is secondary. This reality alone should guide how we structure our new year resolutions.
Protect yourself in the struggle and take care of yourself. Academic stress is real, and while discipline is necessary, self-awareness is equally important. Listen to your body. Know when to push and when to rest. Rest is not laziness; it is maintenance.
Help is real, and every human being needs it at some point. The problem is not asking for help but asking too late or asking the wrong person. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of those around you is essential, not to elevate or belittle them, but to know who is capable of offering the right support when needed. Seeking help should never be an ego battle.
No one will take you more seriously than you take yourself. You are your strongest promoter and your most reliable support system. Fun has its place, but seriousness must never be sacrificed for comfort. Growth requires intentional effort.
Time is always moving. The emotional rush behind the slogan “New Year, New Resolution” often fades once the season of celebration passes. Growth does not happen yearly through slogans; it happens daily through consistent action. Take yourself seriously. Do what needs to be done at the right time, step by step.
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