I think the last time I made a New Year's resolution was in the eighth grade. It was 2014, and I decided I would work out regularly. That resolution lasted exactly three days and 15 sit-ups. Since that fiasco, I've avoided making resolutions.

I understand the desire for New Year's resolutions. With new beginnings comes a desire to forget old habits and develop newer, healthier ways of living. I get that; who doesn't want to change for the better? I certainly have goals that I want to achieve. But I try not to turn them into resolutions.

Why? Because New Year's resolutions are goals with a deadline.

As a full-time college student (and full-time procrastinator) "deadline" is my least favorite word. Sure, I'll get the assignment turned in by 11:59 p.m., but I won't enjoy it. No, it'll be 9:45 p.m., and I'll be panicking and rushing, and the moment I turn it in I'll notice all the typos I made or find three new ways to make it even better. Yes, this problem of mine could easily be solved by just getting things done on time, but then this metaphor would be useless, wouldn't it?

Deadlines are scary. This is a fact, whether you've been working on the goal from day one or are starting it with one hour left to go. Deadlines are also sort of inescapable, though. But that doesn't mean we have to add a deadline to every aspect of our lives.

Change is gradual. It takes ages to forget habits and gain new ones. Becoming a better person isn't a one and done deal, either. It takes making mistakes and learning and making new mistakes and learning from those too. If all good things really come to those who wait, why are we in such a rush to get results, to accomplish every goal we've ever made for ourselves in the span of a year?

If I have any resolution for 2020, it's to take things slow. Enjoy things as they come and take my time. It's the end of January, so I know there are so many people panicking, thinking they've wasted a month and won't ever achieve their goals. You have time. And you will achieve your goals. Maybe not in a month, or even in a year, but you will.

2020 is a new year. And for me, it will be the year I learn that nothing good should ever be rushed. So don't put a deadline on your goals. Take the time you need to learn and make mistakes to truly achieve your goals the way you want to.