New Year, New Me – Life of a Grad Jag

Kevin Hillman, PhD Candidate, Urban Education

New Year, New Me

Yup, I said it! I think it is safe to say that a fresh start does not sound like a bad idea after the experience that was 2020 leading up to the cherry on top taking place just a week ago. We have watched for almost an entire year our world, society, values, and systems fundamentally shift and even turn upside down. At the same time, we were all experiencing our own changes, shifts and turns, experiencing life in ways we never imagined.

New Year, New Me usually entails leaving behind things that no longer contribute to your life in a meaningful and positive way. I do not know about you, but I think this a perfect opportunity to self-evaluate and decide who you want to be and what will help you become that person. Dare I even say that our country is faced with this very same opportunity.

2020 was filled with many challenges but one lesson it taught us was that life can change in an instant and even stop. Now that we have faced this reality, why not finally take the opportunity to go after the life you want and free yourself from those things that continually hold you back?

Let me guess, you may be thinking “that’s easier said than done” … And you know what, you are correct! However, that does not mean you cannot begin taking steps toward that overall change. Some things you could do are:

Daily Positive Affirmations (place where you can see them)
Daily Principles to live by (place where you can see them)
Vision Board
Set Realistic Goals with Action Steps
Therapy (assist with providing tools to begin change)

And the list could go on. So, I challenge you to start today! Make a plan and take a chance!

You only get one life, why not make it count!

Resources to help you out.

Daily Positive Affirmations:

https://www.pinterest.com/HabitChange/daily-positive-affirmations/

Tips for making a Vision Board:

https://thisisadultlife.com/how-to-make-a-vision-board/