New Year, New Goals: Ideas for Student Success
Many students think of the New Year as the start of the second half of the school year. Winter break provided a chance to relax and reset, and now you’re headed back with a renewed energy. It is also an opportunity to reflect on what went well during the first part of the year and where there are opportunities for improvement.
Here are a few ideas for goals and resolutions that students can set to finish out the school year strong:
Improve Organization
Has your backpack become a dumping ground for loose papers, pencils, and other materials? Set a goal to put each paper in the correct notebook or folder when you receive it. Or make it a point to clean out your backpack every Sunday as part of your routine to prepare for the week.
Is your desk a disaster? Get some binders, folders, bins, or baskets so that everything has a place. Just like your backpack, put things back where they belong, and clean up at least once per week.
Also make sure that you are writing everything down in your planner so that no assignments, projects, tests, or other due dates get overlooked. Even if you think you’ll remember, write it down. This also allows you to plan a more effective schedule and manage your time.
Prioritize Your Health
Part of doing well in school is feeling your best. Do you frequently rush out the door without eating breakfast? Pack some healthy foods like fruit, granola, or a breakfast wrap that you can eat on the go. Or set your alarm earlier so you have time for breakfast before you leave in order to maintain your energy and focus.
Set a goal to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night as well. Create a schedule so that you can stay on track and get your work completed at a decent time. Break down larger projects into parts and do a little bit each day. The same applies to studying. Make a resolution that you’re not going to wait until the last minute to get started.
Mental health is also critical. Organize your schedule so that you have breaks to clear your mind, move around, and refocus. Practice strategies for stress relief and mindfulness so you can keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed or burned out.
Do Something for You
Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Join a club or sign up for an elective or extracurricular that interests you. Whether you want to explore science, art, music, math, debate, or coding, choose an activity that exposes you to new ideas and skills. It is good to stretch your mind and also pursue your interests outside of what you’re learning in class.
Ask for Help
If there is something that you don’t understand, speak up. Avoid the temptation to sit back quietly and hope you’ll catch on later or that someone else will ask what you want to know. Take control of your education by making sure you are learning important concepts and keeping up in class. Chances are, you’re not the only one who has questions or is confused.
Connect with a friend in class who you can compare notes with, ask questions, and study with. Working with a tutor can also be beneficial because they can present information in a different way and focus on the specific skills you may be struggling with.
Crafting Scholars can help you set and achieve your goals through one-on-one support and customized programs that fit your needs. Whether you want to focus on organization, study skills, preparing for the SAT or ACT, or staying on top of content in a specific class, our learning specialists can create a plan for you. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot for the new year!
