When I first read this quote, I couldn’t help but think back to my past year. It was full of ups and downs, breakdowns and breakthroughs. Without even reading through the explanation that the author gave for the quote in the article, I couldn’t help but feel like they were wrong.

When I think about “giving a damn” I think of caring too much and really putting in all the effort you can to make something work.

And I was immediately turned off by that quote. Not that I don’t put effort into the things that I do, but I used to care so much about every little detail that I thought I was failing for not being “perfect”. And that’s completely ridiculous, because I shouldn’t have to strive for that perfection.

Sometimes it’s romanticized to be that busy college student who works hard to get all that things that are on their plate done each week. And if we aren’t busy, it’s usually commented that we aren’t doing enough.

So for all those who are involved and busy, this is an important reminder:

You are doing amazing. Stop blaming yourself for mistakes and things that didn’t go your way. Yeah, it sucks but you’ve learned something, right? Maybe give less of a damn. Try pushing some of your responsibilities to other people. You aren’t alone and all you need to do is ask for help. Even after that, stop caring what people say. Someone is always going to have something to say about what you’re doing. Whether it be about something you're doing or planning on doing or have done, someone will have something to say. I’m not saying don’t listen and ignore everyone. Just listen and take notes. Don’t look at them for awhile. Then look back and see if any can be helpful. Maybe they’re right or maybe they’re only seeing it from their perspective. Either way, there is bound to be something to learn.

Most of all, take care of yourself. If there is anything that I learned from 2016, it’s to give more damns about yourself. If you are constantly unhappy about something, maybe that part of your life needs to be reevaluated. Or maybe you need to take a break. Which I definitely recommend.

And for those who aren’t busy or are as involved:

Please be patient with us. We know we aren’t always right. But we do things with the best intentions and only want the best for the people around us. We are still learning. Maybe it would help if you could give more damns? Just reach out and ask. Because sometimes we are too afraid to ask for help.

Either way, giving too many damns can only lead to progress.