You’ve probably been asked by now: What’s your New Year’s resolution? I know I have. 🙋♀️
But what is a “New Year’s resolution” anyway?
A New Year’s resolution is a tradition where individuals set goals, intentions, or commitments to make positive changes or improvements in their lives starting at the beginning of the new year. The new year acts as a clean slate, a fresh page for individuals to reset and “start over”.
Personally, I like to start my “New Year’s resolution brainstorming” by first reflecting on the past year– I can’t properly move forward without first examining what I left behind. I do this by:
- practicing gratitude for the highs and lows I experienced,
- looking through my camera roll to see the memories I made, maybe making a picture collage or video montage of my favorite moments
- skimming through my journal entries and seeing how far I’ve come and how God answered prayers along the way
- processing the past with friends and family
Once I’ve done that, I feel ready to move on and get at the new year! 🤗
Now you might be wondering:
How do I set New Year’s resolutions while still a student? 🤔
Don’t let school get in the way of setting goals and intentions for the new year ahead; you can still craft realistic, achievable resolutions while studying! They might be more academic-focused, and that’s OK!
If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve come up with some ideas for you to start thinking about the new year; hopefully, they’ll be helpful as you take time to reflect and develop your objectives. We’ve even come up with example resolutions you could take as your own.
Here we go! 😀👇
New Year Resolutions, Student Edition ✍️
1) Academic Goals 📑
Be specific and clearly define your academic goals because it’ll help you stay focused. Example resolutions:
- up my grades
- master a certain subject
- Improve my English
2) Study Schedule 📆
Be realistic and accommodate your classes, homework, and personal life into your schedule. Example resolutions:
- go over my new notes for 15 minutes every day
- create a study calendar/agenda to stay organized
- check my study calendar before saying ‘yes’ to something
3) Study Buddies 🧑🤝🧑
Be intentional about finding classmates, study groups, and seeking help from your professors or college tutors. Example resolutions:
- connect with at least one classmate so we can study together
- connect with at least one study group for more support
- connect with my professor and attend office hours
4) Self-Care 🧘♀️
Be aware of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health during the academic year, as stress and fatigue may arise. Example resolutions:
- Take breaks in between studying
- Move my body in some form throughout the semester
- Get enough sleep
General New Year Resolutions ✌️
1) Try Something New 😎
Try honing a new skill that interests you or that connects to your career. Or be adventurous and try doing something you’ve never done before. Example resolutions:
- Learn a new language
- Train for a race (like a 10k or half marathon)
- Go ice skating or skiing
2) Cultural Immersion 🌐
Embrace the US culture around you. It might be unfamiliar, but that’s where growth begins! Example resolutions:
- Join IFI groups
- Go to an American families home
- Travel within the States
3) Physical Health 🏃♀️
Prioritize your physical health because it matters as a student! Make sure to eat well and get some exercise in to increase energy and concentration. Example resolutions:
- Join a fitness class
- Go on a long walk every day
- Drink more water
4) Developing Your Hobbies 🎸
You don’t have to try something new; rather, you can keep at the things you’ve already been doing. Explore your current hobbies and try nurturing them. Example resolutions:
- Read more books outside of the ones for school
- Paint with watercolors instead of acrylics
- Play the guitar at least three times a week
As you embark on the journey of a new year, remember that setting realistic and achievable resolutions requires dedication, adaptability, and a positive mindset. Dream big while also having grace for yourself. Take it one day at a time. And don’t look too far ahead, as you’ll miss what’s right before you!
Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and may this year be filled with thriving and love!
Cheers to another year of life! 🥳🧡
