Remember that time you announced to all your friends and family that you were going to better yourself and live a more productive life? How's that going?
I've been there too many times, only to return to square one with a new plan. If you're like me, you might also be turned off of doing things just because you think you should. Here are four things I learned to NEVER put on a To-Do list, because it will probably never happen if you do:
1. Work Out
I too am guilty of never sticking to a fitness regimen. When "working out" aka "taking 10 minutes to look for the right song to do the stairclimber for 2 minutes before passing out" is on your list, it'll become a chore. For many people, routine work outs are great. But for average folk like you and I, the hype quickly fades when you realize you're forcing yourself to do it.
2. Join a Club
When you enter college, there are so many involvement fairs you begin to think that joining an organization is necessary to count as a decent human being. Don't make the mistake of joining a program you won't commit to. If you come across something you're genuinely interested in (NOT just for resume aesthetics), you should join. Don't put it in a To-Do list because you're trying to look good for Grad School.
3. Earn Straight A's
Life happens, and it is very unlikely to have a perfect GPA in college. It's OK. Instead of saying each semester that you'll do better and get all A's, use that energy towards actually studying and enjoying your coursework. The Great Dr. Joab Corey once said something along the lines of "I'd rather get straight B's and have fun, then get straight A's having been miserable".
4. "Focus on Me"
Our generation seems to think the only way to improve ourselves is to shut out all things social and "focus on the grind". This never works out, those same people (myself included) end up getting side-tracked and immersed in the reality that is life. You are meant to go out, take breaks, and develop meaningful relationships. It's good to focus on you and do you. But making that a life motto can take away experiences you would have had otherwise. Don't focus on you... you'll forget what that means. Instead, try focusing on living life.
