Happy February!
It’s week two and things are already getting busy here at Wellesley. Problem sets are starting, readings are piling up, and exams are already (!) around the corner. In light of that, I decided to attend an event put on by Career Education called “Quitting to Commit”. Sometimes I’m guilty of overcommitting and stretching myself too thin. At Wellesley, there are so many cool clubs to join, classes to take, opportunities to explore… but it can get overwhelming really easily. One of my goals for this semester is to find balance. This event seemed like a perfect way to show me how.
Basically, the event was about how to stop thinking about quitting as giving up, and instead looking at it as a way to commit to things that really matter. In an intimate panel discussion and fireside chat, topics such as defining priorities, setting goals, and remembering values kept coming up.
Here are some key takeaways I had:
- Reframing is key. One of my favorite quotes from the night: “Think of it not as leaving behind a dream, but instead chasing a new goal!”
- Liberation Parties. They’re a thing. Basically, if you ultimately decide the need to quit something big or small, don’t mourn it. Celebrate it! Bonus points for celebrating with those that support your decision.
- Constantly reevaluate and reflect. Are you working toward a goal of your past self or your present self? Which one do you value?
- If things get too crazy, start the elimination test. Slowly take things off your plate, and if you find that you’re truly missing something, then it’s a clear indication to rejoin and continue. As for the others, forget about it!
- Finally, be strategic and be responsible. Reflect on what really matters so you can prioritize it. Walk away from anything that doesn’t. And ask yourself who and what will be impacted by your decision to quit (or not) and how you can limit consequences.
In the end, the panel made me realize that my time at Wellesley is finite. I only have a year and a half left… and it’s going to fly by. Moving forward, I’m aiming to set new goals and find greater clarity. This was the perfect way to begin again.
Have a great weekend (stay warm and dry!),
Shreya