TRYING

It’s new-years-resolutions-season, so here’s one thing to keep in mind when setting goals. For some people, including me, really trying to achieve something is perhaps a better goal than achieving the thing. Some stuff is really outside of one’s control. Or the only way to achieve something is to mentally and physically exhaust yourself, to the point where getting 90% there would be better than going all out. This is something I’ve been thinking about a lot. I’m trying to be more productive with my PhD. I’m trying to get faster on the erg. I’m trying to be a better teacher to my students. I’m trying to be better at EDI outreach. I’m trying not to get lazy socially. I’m trying to get back into dating. Maybe the results aren’t there, but I’m genuinely giving my best.