I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “new year, new you,” or “new year, new beginnings.” What I’m wondering is why it always has to be new this or  new that. What about something more encouraging like, new year, smarter you, or new year, you: version 2.0? Why do we need to focus on being a “new” person, taking what we know and trying to turn it on its head? Why can’t we just take the new year, the new opportunities and the cold January air with stride and become a better version of ourselves?   That’s my resolution this year.   Rather than stick with a single resolution that may end up being only temporary like going to the gym more, being nice to everyone or saving money, I’m going to paint a bigger picture. The first month of my new year hasn’t been the best, nor has it been for many others around me…not to mention for the newfound handful of celebrity divorcees and football fans. But Katy Perry, Heidi Klum and even 49ers fans are picking up the pieces and making strides for the new year, and for the future. So here I go. For starters, I’m going to make more time for myself. Last year, I spent too much of my time living for other people and making my schedule so air-tight that I missed out on the spontaneity of life. I’m taking four classes this semester, with an upcoming summer abroad that leaves me some room to cut back on a course. This is going to serve as some long overdue “me time.” Remembering what it’s like to live for only myself, I’m going to take a deep breath and take it all in. I’m going to read a book. I’m going to write a short story. I’m going to take salsa lessons (or settle for zumba on the wii). I’m not going to spend all day in bed. I’m going to indulge in shameless materialism every once in a while playing a game of Words with Friends on my brand new iPhone, which has by now proven to be one small step for my tech savviness, and one huge step back for my social life. So I will indulge cautiously. I will eat right but not fear half price Beechmont wings. I will portion my meals and ration myself into eating just a little bit better than I did last year. A typical resolution. According to USA.gov, my resolutions land among other popular aspirations that make their way onto the top ten list year after year. My ultimate goal to eat healthier makes the cut among resolutions to quit smoking, get a better job, manage debt and take a trip. The number one consistently popular resolution: drink less alcohol. I can’t say that this resolution makes my top five. Nevertheless, accomplishing not just one, but a handful of these “popular” resolutions is bound to better a person, and not just make them “new.” The more I skimmed the web for commanalities between myself and absolute strangers, the more I realized that almost everyone makes the same resolution each year, and shares that very same resolution with someone else. Does this mean that almost everybody aspires for the same ultimate happy ending? Of course, there was one that I hadn’t seen anywhere else – and one that I missed myself. That one read, “learn something new.” I think I’ve found my bigger picture. Quoting the fictional Ferris Bueller (with absolutely no remorse, may I add), “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” We learn something new every day, whether we’re conscious of it or not. My bigger picture is to pick up on these small wonders, and not just let them in once – but welcome them every single day. I want to learn to cook something other than mac and cheese. I want to say hello to a foreign person in their own language. I want to learn how to drive a car. (I’m from Brooklyn, no judgment please.) I want to be informed. Most importantly, I want to grow. Isn’t that everyone’s real resolution? So Gaels, I’m asking you to grab a paintbrush and paint a bigger picture with me. Jot down a list of goals and short term resolutions that you can work at every day. These will serve as a reminder to stay on track and become a better version of yourself – not just a brand new person Try to make it through the semester without teetering on the cutoff for class absenses. Miss when you have to, not because it’s cold out. Walk more. The gym isn’t always an easy thing to fit into a college schedule. But be nice to your body. Skip calling shotgun and keep your legs moving. Do some laps around the field before class. Your body will thank you, trust me. Skip Spellman dinner tonight and cook your own meal (even if you have to improvise in the dorms). Don’t worry, you’re most likely missing out on the same exact meal you waited 20  minutes for last week. Hold the door for someone. Positive energy is contageous, and remember, bad karma is a pest. Most importantly, learn something – not just today but every day. Ask questions. Be curious. Grow just a little bit more this year. After all, it’s what we’re here for.   To contact The Ionian’s Meaghan McGoldrick, e-mail her at [email protected]