You may have come across the phrase “New Year, New Me.” Well, I despise that phrase. I will be explaining why change like this might be for the worse. (?) 

Many people take the new year as a chance to change for the better. They will produce new year resolutions but mostly end up unable to complete them. In my opinion, this is just an excuse to start the year healthy yet end it worse than before. 

Have you ever heard of the term “Dry January”? It is when people decide to start the year by quitting alcohol. However, it can lead to intense craving and possibly, even overindulgence; this is inherently worse! People would need a strong willpower to resist this, but knowing humans, we are very weak creatures. This is just one example on how people may start the year healthy but end it with an alcohol addiction. 

Do you ever find it hypocritical of people who munch on a full bag of chips and reassure themselves that they will change next year? It is easy to do something for one year and revert to your old ways. After all, Humans are vulnerable creatures. The new year should not be an excuse to change. Statistically, 80-90% give up on their New Year’s resolutions in the first month itself! 

Now, I am not saying that change is bad. However, change should be progressive. It should start when you think of it, not when the new year starts. In fact, refining yourself before the year ends is even better! To change, you need to take it step by step. Take NAPFA Training for example. It is easy to feel discouraged at the start. However, if you continuously work hard and train, you will be able to do it! 

The first step to changing is setting goals. Goal setting is a straightforward way to stay on task. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by school, especially in your senior years. However, if you use a to-do list, it will be easier! For some people however, to-do lists do not help. So, try something else! Keep on experimenting until you find your Holy Grail. I might sound like that one auntie nagging at you, but trust me, I am speaking from experience. 

I have started goal setting, journalling, and to-do lists before. Last year, I forgot to do them at the start of the year due to a busy schedule and partially being overseas! I wanted to give up on it as I did not start from the year, and it ruined the year. Then, I remembered how hard I had worked to find a good Study App. So, I decided to start mid-January, and luckily, it is still going strong! 

Just remember, change is not decided by a date, and you should try on your own accord. With that, I am signing off. This has been G L Achinthya!