Every year we have the same conversation about New Year’s resolutions. Diets, workout plans, and unrealistic expectations fill up our heads. We are bombarded with a desire to constantly overcorrect and “fix” our imperfect selves to fulfill an idealistic version of life. So, we decided to share our conversation on rethinking resolutions.
Abby: I didn’t make a new year’s resolution this year.
Molly: I totally get that. January first shouldn’t be the only time to reflect and set new paths for ourselves.
Abby: Exactly, I prefer to continuously reflect over my goals and progress, adjusting my habits as needed.
Molly: I agree. This is a bit morbid, but how can I be sure I’ll make it to Jan. 1? If I want to make a change, why would I waste life waiting.
Abby: Life is just too short to constantly wait for an excuse to make a change. Also change shouldn’t be about punishing ourselves but rather adding positivity into our lives.
Molly: I’ve found that the most sustainable shifts are additive.
Abby: I agree, and I find that especially with social media we are far too critical of ourselves. We spiral over all our potential flaws that we wind up losing motivation to accomplish anything at all. Speaking of additive shifts though, you mentioned you do have a New Years resolution?
Molly: I did make a New Years resolution. I wasn’t planning on it, but I happened to hear about commonplace books, and decided to create one aligned with how I hope to evolve.
Abby: What’s a commonplace book?
Molly: I think the definition is different to everyone (your book would look different than mine; it’s probably similar to how authors have individual ideas about the purpose of their work). But generally, a commonplace book is a collection of noteworthy observations––anything you read, heard, see, or even experience that you’d like to keep with you.
Abby: That’s so sick. I started a junk journal a few weeks ago. As senior year comes closer to closing I think it’s so important to cherish our memories.
Molly: There’s a lot that passes us by in life. It could be memories––the little moments of our current day-to-day that we might miss in the future. A junk journal sounds like a special way to reminisce. With my commonplace book, I want to keep a record of what I’m learning about myself and the world. Not that it needs to be serious all the time, but I want to create a collection of what excites me.
Abby: That’s a great example of a productive resolution. Resolutions should be about adding positivity, not self-criticism. And they don’t only have to manifest on Jan. 1.
