As we all start a new year, getting back into the process of students coming back, and finding those goals we want to achieve, I figured I would discuss why I am making commitments instead of resolutions this year. In the world of student affairs we are always so busy, constantly on the go, and trying to do what is best for our students and university. I made three bullet points this year that I feel that are transferable not only in the work that we do in student affairs, but in life in general. It is so easy to say I am going to write down resolutions and not look at them afterwards. I believe if you stay committed to doing the best that you can on a daily basis, that you will achieve all the goals that you will want to achieve in 2016.
The three bullet points/quotes to live by that I am committed to in 2016:
Supporting another’s success won’t even/ever dampen yours.
This is critical in student affairs. This field is very relational, but at the same time it can be very competitive. I always have to be reminded that the overall goal is to help everyone be the best that they can be. I want my colleagues, students, and universities that I represent to feel that they can count on me when needed for help and guidance. That is what I want my work to show. What I have learned throughout my experiences is that it is so much easier to be a team player. If you make the best of the opportunities presented, you enjoy the work that you get to do with others, and also learn from them. Support your colleagues and the people that support you.
Fear means you should do it.
Every year I try to focus on something that challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone. There are a lot of things that I have realized by doing this. I find myself more open to new challenges and things that I am not used to. I think this really helps with the unexpected duties that come up in our work in student affairs. Learning to accept the fear of the unexpected can help you grow in the long run. I am also keeping this mentality in my job search. Be open to new places and things!
Commitment isn’t scary; wasting years of your life is.
This one is really the heavy hitter for me. I am turning twenty-four this year and I feel that society has this understanding that you’re supposed to have it all together by twenty-five. In all honesty, I feel like I’m just starting. To complete graduate school in May, make progressive moves in a first full-time professional role, and to get my feet established are the ideal circumstances. I am learning to say it’s okay to be the young professional and just go along for the ride. This is a good position to be in, so do not feel pressured to be the always-put-together millennial, because then there would be no room to grow. As a new professional, I want to be innovative, learn my role, ask questions when I don’t feel like I know the answers, and be a supportive team member so that we all can grow while making an impact on a day-to-day basis.
Less Is More, Quality Over Quantity
Over break I read a book called Do Less: A Minimalist Guide To a Simplified, Organized, and Happy Life by Rachel Jonat. I want more quality time by being organized, having more time to do things outside of work, and to be more efficient when at work. Letting go of distractions and things that are unnecessary is key, as is decluttering.
- Declutter to distress
- Work smart, not hard
- Save money, and save time
Let go of things that you simply do not need. I highly recommend this to anyone trying to work on improving their lives and live intentionally.
