The Art of Metamorphosis: New Year, New Me

The strike of the clock at midnight on the last day of December opens the door to fresh beginnings. While some endeavor to spend their time at the infamous crossover night service, others are at a concert, swaying their bodies to the latest jam and relishing the thrill of hearing it performed directly by the artist. Some are at home patiently waiting for the clock to strike so they can be the first to call or text family, friends, and colleagues, while some are soundly asleep with the belief that it’s just another day, and others do not belong to any of these categories.

There is a collective sense of new beginnings, renewals, and reflections that sweep across the entire globe. It is a time for reflection and introspection, as well as an indication of how much time has gone by—an invitation to assess the past. The phrase “new year, new me” is not strange. It’s a moment to set goals, craft resolutions, set aspirations, break old habits, and embrace change.

Although the phrase reflects a desire for change and self-improvement, does a new day (the new year) suddenly guarantee change? There is no sudden magic that comes with the new year. Making a list of New Year's resolutions does not guarantee change. The process of metamorphosis demands effort and dedication. Change may require limitations, leaving your comfort zone, cutting out, or cutting down on old habits and hobbies. These clearly come with a lot of self-discipline and sacrifices.

To avoid falling back into what one is trying to change or move on from, there is a need to set achievable, measurable, and realistic goals. It is important to note that change is not necessarily the easiest thing to effect. Transformation is a gradual and continuous process that cannot happen overnight. It is not realistic to lose 10kg after one week of going to the gym, neither is it realistic to gain muscle mass in three days of going to the gym to exercise. Transformation can take an extended period of time and may extend beyond the imagined timeframe.

The feasibility of a new you depends on various factors. Using the start of a new year as a symbolic mark to embrace change is highly commendable, but the key lies in the practical steps or efforts taken in this direction. The greatest challenge lies in maintaining these new habits. Remember that goal to read every day after class? It is very realistic. Reading one out of the two or more courses had in a day is a good start. Little drops of water actually do make the mighty ocean. Likewise, that goal to be a better swimmer starts with one stroke. Intention, practice, resilience, and commitment come in handy.

Setbacks are an inherent part of the journey. It is only natural, as the world and its occurrences are unpredictable. The trick to overcoming setbacks lies in acceptance, celebrating the progress already made, reflecting on why the goal is important, and how beneficial it will be in the long run, seeking support, adjusting goals, and reevaluating strategies, and most importantly, not giving up. Remember, na who gives up, messes up.

With almost a month into the new year that was supposed to be the year of change, it may seem as though the phase was only a form of procrastination. While the best time to have started was yesterday or January 1st, the next best time to start is now. The pursuit of becoming a better version of oneself does not only lie in writing a list. Similarly, the proclamation of the phrase “new year, new me” may not suffice.