The month of December often invites deep reflection on the past year and the moments that define it. Even if a few items on your 2025 resolutions list remain unchecked, it is worth recognizing how far you have come and what has given you purpose. As a university student, it is common to feel pressured by time, whether you are completing credit requirements, securing your first job offer, or juggling responsibilities outside of school. Despite the stress, this is a reminder that you are always making progress and learning through many new experiences. Everyone’s timeline looks different, and goals won’t always align with the classic New Year’s resolution model, which follows the calendar year.

There’s a familiar saying, “time is money,” often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who used it to warn young tradesmen that idleness could lead to lost income. The phrase emphasizes the economic value of time and the opportunity cost that comes with delay. Today, it is often used to justify maximizing every hour of our day, sometimes fueling the pressure to set ambitious annual goals. Although time is incredibly valuable, it isn’t a tangible commodity like money or net worth. The value of money changes as its value grows and drops with the economy. In contrast, time will always keep moving forward at the same pace, regardless of external circumstances. So, while the quote might’ve applied for tradesmen and may hold true in financial productivity-driven contexts, it is worth questioning whether it should guide every personal goal that is set.

When planning for a new year, it can be healthier to focus not on what you might lose but on where you can grow and improve over time. Thus, I invite you to approach goal setting with gentleness, patience, and an understanding that progress does not always have to follow a strict timeline. In times when productivity is glorified, it is easy to overlook the systems we live in, such as the norms of constant striving that shape our expectations. Here are some New Year’s resolutions ideas to guide your reflection and inspire meaningful growth. The goals may not guarantee productivity gains or financial rewards but may offer clarity and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

□ Write letters to your family and friends to show appreciation (not only on their birthdays)

□ Volunteer at an organization or contribute to a cause you are passionate about

□ Organize, whether it be your music playlist or your room

□ Attend or watch workshops about topics of interest □ Start a journaling habit and practice mindfulness

□ Build new creative skills over a period of time

□ Support your long-term health by prioritizing 15 minutes of daily movement

Want to share your approach to a resolution and what it means to you? Email us at uwbhh@ uw.edu! We’d love to hear your story. Happy New Year and happy reading!