My number one New Year’s resolution this year was to never have another New Year’s resolution. 

After years and years of resolutions—I will learn to speak fluent French! I will watch all the Marvel movies in order! I will learn a new song on the piano every day!—that either a) lose their luster in the first 24 hours or b) are harder than I thought, I end up once again speaking English and watching old episodes of Parks and Recreation. The never-ending cycle of “New Year, New Me” is a ridiculous attempt to recreate someone that you have spent your entire life developing.

First of all, a majority of people have other, more pressing priorities than creating this “new self.” The average high schooler’s day to day schedule is packed from early morning clubs to late night study sessions, and personally, I don’t really have all the time in the world to figure out the chords to the latest release of the Jonas Brothers. Let’s face it, I will feel far more accomplished if I finally understand last week’s math concept.

Now, I understand resolutions aimed to get rid of unhealthy habits. Throughout the recent years, people have put emphasis on being more confident, kind, and grateful, to name a few. We should constantly be working on these traits, and I put emphasis on the word “constantly.” It can be intimidating to enter the year with the goal to be grateful for everything all the time. However, if we are to enter each day and be more mindful with our actions, I believe that everyone is more likely to focus on how they are able to grow and change. 

This year, I am not going to worry about which Marvel movie comes out next. Frankly, I don’t really care. There are much better ways to grow than to create a giant resolution that takes place every January 1. Being mindful and realizing when you have the opportunity to make a better choice each day can create a major change in one’s life. On top of that, creating small goals for each day can help you have mini-victory each day. 

And then tomorrow? A new set of victories.