Since school doesn't resume for most people until mid January, I figured it was pointless to talk about goals for the new year until people were back in the swing of things.
Now it's February and a bright and shiny semester lies before you. So how do you go about accomplishing everything on your to-do list before June?
I'm not a big fan of the term "resolutions"; while it is great to resolve to improve some aspect of yourself or your life, it seems like most resolutions end up being wishes.
So let's talk about goals instead. First, we need to define our goals by taking stock of where we are at, right now.
*Note: If you're no longer a student, read the questionnaire as "last year" instead of "last semester," and think about planning for 2014 as a whole.
Now it's February and a bright and shiny semester lies before you. So how do you go about accomplishing everything on your to-do list before June?
I'm not a big fan of the term "resolutions"; while it is great to resolve to improve some aspect of yourself or your life, it seems like most resolutions end up being wishes.
So let's talk about goals instead. First, we need to define our goals by taking stock of where we are at, right now.
*Note: If you're no longer a student, read the questionnaire as "last year" instead of "last semester," and think about planning for 2014 as a whole.
Taking Stock
1. What was (were) your most productive habit(s) last semester?
How did a particular behavior, practice, mindset, or attitude help you get stuff done? How can this habit stand to be improved even further?
2. What habit hindered or completely obstructed your progress?
Did you see it coming? Was it avoidable? If yes, how can you prevent this problem from recurring in the future?
3. Who GAVE you energy and drive (encouragers) and who SUCKED your motivation or confidence (criticizers)?
Surround yourself with people who empower you. Don't let naysayers and critics undermine your ambition and happiness.
4. What specific positive feedback did you receive last semester? What negative feedback did you receive?
Consider the source, but admit if you stand to improve in certain ways.
5. Do you like where you are at right now in terms of Personal Relationships, Academics, Health (Physical and Mental), Finances, and Professional Life?
Which areas need extra attention this upcoming semester?
How did a particular behavior, practice, mindset, or attitude help you get stuff done? How can this habit stand to be improved even further?
2. What habit hindered or completely obstructed your progress?
Did you see it coming? Was it avoidable? If yes, how can you prevent this problem from recurring in the future?
3. Who GAVE you energy and drive (encouragers) and who SUCKED your motivation or confidence (criticizers)?
Surround yourself with people who empower you. Don't let naysayers and critics undermine your ambition and happiness.
4. What specific positive feedback did you receive last semester? What negative feedback did you receive?
Consider the source, but admit if you stand to improve in certain ways.
5. Do you like where you are at right now in terms of Personal Relationships, Academics, Health (Physical and Mental), Finances, and Professional Life?
Which areas need extra attention this upcoming semester?
Taking Action
1. How can you harness your most productive habits from last semester to improve or overcome the habits that hindered you in the past?
For example, you noticed that choosing sleep over messing around on your computer until 2 am made a noticeable difference in your mood and energy, so you will institute a midnight bedtime. If noisy roommates hindered you from getting sufficient sleep, you might have a discussion with them or invest in earplugs.
2. List three people you can count on for support when you need it. List ways to limit your interactions with anyone who is a drain on your energy or happiness.
You notice that you feel capable after speaking with a favorite professor, or relaxed after hanging out with a particular friend. Prioritize meeting with these people.
3. What is one concrete way you can take measures to improve something about yourself or your behaviors that received a valid critique last semester?
Your professor said your comments in class were great but your writing needs improvement. Contact your campus Writing Center, ask your English major roommate for help, or seek out additional professional assistance.
4. For the areas of your life where you are happy, can you go into cruise control or do you need to further develop them? How?
Maybe you really cherished being able to take a weekly walk with your friend and now you two need to meet, compare schedules, and make sure you can find a time that works for both of you to keep walking together this semester.
5. For the area of your life that you think need extra attention, what are your weekly, monthly, and semester goals so that you are consistently making progress over the next five months?
Whoa - you're in credit card debt thanks to a shopping spree extravaganza. Set short-term and long-term goals for making payments, as well as institute a budget (effective immediately) and consider getting a part-time job.
For example, you noticed that choosing sleep over messing around on your computer until 2 am made a noticeable difference in your mood and energy, so you will institute a midnight bedtime. If noisy roommates hindered you from getting sufficient sleep, you might have a discussion with them or invest in earplugs.
2. List three people you can count on for support when you need it. List ways to limit your interactions with anyone who is a drain on your energy or happiness.
You notice that you feel capable after speaking with a favorite professor, or relaxed after hanging out with a particular friend. Prioritize meeting with these people.
3. What is one concrete way you can take measures to improve something about yourself or your behaviors that received a valid critique last semester?
Your professor said your comments in class were great but your writing needs improvement. Contact your campus Writing Center, ask your English major roommate for help, or seek out additional professional assistance.
4. For the areas of your life where you are happy, can you go into cruise control or do you need to further develop them? How?
Maybe you really cherished being able to take a weekly walk with your friend and now you two need to meet, compare schedules, and make sure you can find a time that works for both of you to keep walking together this semester.
5. For the area of your life that you think need extra attention, what are your weekly, monthly, and semester goals so that you are consistently making progress over the next five months?
Whoa - you're in credit card debt thanks to a shopping spree extravaganza. Set short-term and long-term goals for making payments, as well as institute a budget (effective immediately) and consider getting a part-time job.
So, where are you at? What's your plan for 2014?
