Always these resolutions

Ideas and suggestions for the summer semester

A few days ago, I ventured into a short brainstorming session and wrote down ideas for the next semester. These are goals, resolutions and suggestions that I simply wanted to put down on paper. Why? Researchers at Purdue University in West Lafayette (US state Indiana) have found that we can remember things better if we write them down. The American writer Anaïs Nin also knew that writing things down brings clarity about our own feelings: "For what we do not write down often remains quite indefinite in our feelings." If we visualise something and can always call it to mind and thus into our thoughts, it becomes more present. It spurs us on to truly pursue these goals. Some may perhaps think that resolutions are annoying. It rather gets you down if you cannot implement your goals and resolutions. "Man has ideals and eventually painfully realises that reality looks different," writes Werner Bartens in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. There it also says, with reference to New Year's resolutions: "Two-thirds do not stick to their resolutions even until the end of January." But isn't it also about trying? Of course, doubt is part of it, but it shouldn't steal your chances. Or as Voltaire put it: "Doubt is admittedly not a pleasant mental state, but certainty is ridiculous." It is uncertain anyway what the next semester will be like, so doubt away, for René Descartes also knew: "Doubt is the beginning of wisdom." But don't forget, whilst doubting, to still write down your goals. Now, let's get down to brass tacks: What, explicitly, are potential resolutions for the next semester? How about fairly universally applicable goals, such as passing your exams well, meeting friends, having a great time, travelling? The goal of starting to study earlier or visiting friends in other university towns or at home during the semester? Perhaps a pub crawl is on your list? And have you already danced through the night in all Würzburg clubs? Even if they don't match your own musical taste, it's worth the experience. Think of Albert Einstein: "Whoever never made a mistake has never tried anything new." In that spirit, how about visiting an event by one of the countless university groups? Or visiting a new restaurant that always makes you smile as you walk past? Oh, and what does university sports actually offer next semester? Of course, everyone also has more specific and personal goals. Perhaps you've always wanted to learn French, Russian, Swedish or Spanish, but there was never time for a language course. Perhaps there's time for it in the summer? Or is there a certificate, a job or a voluntary position that you're really passionate about? Do you dream of a short trip to New York, a safari in Namibia, or have you always wanted to drink vodka with our Polish neighbours? Or do you resolve to be braver, take the rubbish out more regularly and also go to the 8 o'clock lectures. How is that supposed to work? "Paths are made by walking," Franz Kafka observed. Whatever you resolve to do or not do, take care of yourselves and have a wonderful summer semester!