Mia Concepcion | Staff Writer
The new year has finally arrived. It is now 2019, and many people are preparing to pursue the same New Year’s resolutions that were not taken seriously in 2018.
Lists of goals have been written, ways to unlearn bad habits have been contemplated, and those who have embraced the change that comes with this new season has been established. Of course, the goal of all goals is to conquer our personal objectives using a game plan, but are we actually setting goals that will help us become the best version of ourselves?
This new year is about transformation from the old self to a new, renewed self. We must learn to master ourselves by accomplishing the goals that are most fitting for us, all while maintaining our mental health.
First, to achieve your personal goals, let go of people who do not belong in your season. We often try to make space for individuals who are not meant to be part of this specific chapter of our journey.
Attempting to expand the limited space you have can create distractions from your goals and possibly slow your progress. Understand that this personal journey to your best self requires a special kind of focus on you.
This mission will be a lot more difficult to pursue if you are not particular about who is traveling on the journey with you: Who is filling you up, and who is draining you?
Second, don’t be afraid to say no or disengage from former habits. Some people will not understand the personal decisions you make in light of your goals, but that is OK.
You don’t have to explain yourself to others, and people do not have to agree with what you are doing. Whether or not they support you should not be a concern.
You are doing what is best for you, which is the only thing that matters. Validation from society is unnecessary when trying to achieve your highest self.
“This year, I am learning new habits. I will prioritize myself and well-being before taking on extra responsibilities,” said Llaran Turner, a cellular molecular biology major from Houston.
Third, love yourself in the best way possible. Self-love is learning how to accept the mistakes you made to elevate higher. This journey will be full of errors, but it is the only way you will be able to rise above and beyond. Use your wings to soar to higher heights. Now is the time to explore your flaws—some of which may turn out to be hidden treasures. It is when self-discovery commences that the transformation process is in full effect.
“My mistakes have helped me grow as a person,” said Eva Davis, a cellular molecular biology major from Fayetteville, North Carolina. “I have learned that even the people you love can distract you from the things you love. Don’t neglect those who are in your corner. Be optimistic yet realistic at the same time.”
Last but not least: Don’t be afraid if you find yourself alone. While evolving, those who we once knew become unfit for the people we are becoming. Do not feel guilty for evolving while they remain the same.
You are embarking on an important mission that requires your undivided attention. It won’t be necessary to find sustaining relationships on this journey, because the right people will be sent in your direction unexpectedly. Until then, understand that everything you need is already in your possession. It is already in you.
“I’ve had to sacrifice parties and spend less time with friends in order to get ahead,” said Nykierah Sidibe, a freshman from Philadelphia. “I learned that last semester and will apply that lesson this year to progress in my goals.”
The Hampton Script 