New Year, Same Old Me?

New Year, Same Old Me?

by allegra gonzalez

We’ve all heard it: Time is just an abstract concept. When the clock strikes 12 and it's January 1st, nothing changes. The sun still rises, the wind still blows, and you’re probably the same person you were one minute ago.

But here's the thing: how do we use this idea to our advantage? Yes, nothing magical happens when the calendar flips, but there is something special about having the opportunity of a fresh start. The incredible yet overwhelming idea that you have 365 (or 366) chances to make something grand happen is fascinating yet scary. Whether last year was amazing or... not the best, the idea of a reset can be pretty powerful. It’s an opportunity to try again, to aim for something better, to become the best version of yourself.

Now, it’s February, and I haven’t written a single New Year’s resolution. I don’t have a list of goals or ideas I want to accomplish this 2025. I have avoided the task for as long as I can because failure scares me. What if I write something down, and by December I still haven’t checked it off? 

For this week’s issue, I’m taking a different approach to New Year’s resolutions. Instead of stressing over some grand, unattainable list of things to do or become, I’m focusing on this: progress, not perfection.ess about setting rigid goals and more about growth. A fresh start doesn’t mean everything has to change overnight, but it’s an opportunity to make small changes that add up. To show up for yourself.

For example, instead of being concerned about finding an internship, I will work on what helps me get there. Create a good resume, get involved in campus activities, and reach out to various companies I'd be interested in working with. Another example: I want to become more flexible. But, I can't do that overnight. Instead, I'm going to try  to go to The Emerson Fitness Center at least 3 times a week and stretch for 15 minutes. See what I'm doing here? Rather than setting an unachievable goal, I'm writing down the steps to get there. Consistency is key! 

This year should be all about embracing the journey. It’s okay to make mistakes; it’s fine if you don’t have everything figured out. The goal isn’t to be a different person but to grow and learn. 

So whether you already wrote down your plans for this year, or you’re still trying to figure them out, or you’ve already tossed them aside, the "new year, new you" thing is overrated. It’s more about the same you, just trying to be a little better, little by little.

Cheers to that.