Jan. 10, 2018
Lose weight. Stop procrastinating. Spend less money. Get organized. Travel. Work out. Find a new job. Eat more bacon. Those are just some of the common resolutions that people make on Jan. 1 each year. (The bacon one might be mine, but I know I’m not alone.) I can tell by the massive hordes of people swarming around my gym that it is certainly the time for new declarations and goals.
Some people swear by New Year’s resolutions while others resolve not to make any. I don’t have a hard and fast rule about them. I think I’m constantly making changes in my life so if a new year offers a chance to reflect and set a few more goals, I’m all for it.
For the first bit of the new year, I was just striving to not get frostbite when I went outside. I don’t mind the winter, but when my face hurts and the hair in my nose freezes, I could use a little more warmth. I have already been going to the gym quite a bit, but I do have my sights set on diversifying my workouts. My friend gave me an awesome book with some suggestions about approaching life that I plan on following. And, I’ve decided to finally buckle down and unsubscribe to all the email lists I somehow ended up on, mostly because of being an editor of a publication.
This is me the first few days back at my computer doing just that. It’s truly astounding how many hundreds of lists I must be on.
I do want to travel more, take time off and appreciate the little things. I also think this year I might actually give writing a book the old college try. But, who knows? I won’t be crushed if things don’t go as planned. My resolutions are really more like guidelines to my life. What I do know, is that my determination to live fiercely, love often, work hard and make a difference is really the only resolution I need. I’m a Spartan. That’s just what we do.
Prabu David, the dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, is a super cool Spartan. His wisdom always inspires me and his dedication to his work is phenomenal. He wrote a blog at the end of the year talking about some resolutions of his own. Last year, he promised to give the gift of empathetic listening. This year, he has a new goal in mind and encourages others to join him. He hopes, “this year may be one in which we give the gift of compassionate communication to nurture, encourage and build up others.” Sounds like an awesome resolution to me. Check out his FACULTY VOICE: Creative problem solving, to learn more from this brilliant Spartan.
You don’t have to be the dean of a college to give great advice. Carson Yenchar is only a freshman who just finished her first semester at MSU. She’s already showing great Spartan resolve by having a successful start to her educational experience and sharing her wisdom with others in the STUDENT VIEW: What college has taught me (thus far!). I see a bright future ahead for this young woman.
Spartans don’t really have to make loud declarations about their resolutions. The resolve of a Spartan is undeniably fierce. As Spartans, we are determined to make incredible discoveries, solve challenging problems, improve the world around us, teach others, create change, make art, serve our communities, share our talents and never, ever give up. This year, resolve to be your best self. Be a Spartan. Change the world. Spartans Will.
Lisa Mulcrone
Editor, MSUToday
@LMulcrone
Photo by Kurt Stepnitz