Often times around the beginning of a new year, we tend to hear the common phrase, "New year, new me!" While I tend to roll my eyes and vow to stand by my friend who is doing her best to be less addicted to Netflix, I reflect on how with each new semester the same could be said.
With that, here are 6 ways you can be a new you in this new semester.
1. Schedule it out.
Before you even go to classes make sure you take out your calendar/day planner/journal/stone tablet/phone calendar (if you don't have any of these, consider investing in one) and write in major school things. This could be school breaks (SPRING BREAK 2K17!), days off because of holidays, that dentist appointment your mom scheduled you for so you'll have to figure out how to find the time to venture home from school for that lovely adventure, and any other things that will require you to plan ahead. Having a schedule will allow you to keep yourself accountable for the things that you need to do and get done.
2. Clean your space.
Go to your room and clean. When you have a clean space to come home to at the end of the day, your brain is relieved and you can relax or get back to work in a space that reflects the new you. A clean and orderly you that will not let anything set them back. A 10-page research paper? A 20-minute presentation? BRING. IT. ON. I made my bed this morning and therefore I've already had a victory today.
3. Remember what you learned last semester.
Sure, last semester was pretty rough, but in order to make this one even better, you will have to remember your past in order to move forward. Maybe change your strategy for studying so you'll be able to comprehend more for that big test you know is bound to come. Remember how you spread yourself so thin last semester and said yes to every opportunity thrown your way? Make wiser yes decisions and pick and choose the things you know you will be able to do that fit into your school schedule.
4. Don't forget your friends.
Last semester you were so busy and so focused on your studies. THAT IS NOT A BAD THING. You are in college to be a student, but you are also here to invest in the people around you. When your sole focus is put into your studies, you lose the feeling of needing to relax and this can cause copious amounts of stress that can hurt you mentally, emotionally and physically. Take the time to unwind with your friends or just to grab a cup of coffee with a friend and catch up after a busy week of school this semester. It's likely you are both busy and need a minute to catch your breath, so why not do it together?
5. Challenge yourself.
Set a goal for yourself this new semester that will challenge yourself as a human being. What is an area that you have always wanted to improve upon or just do for fun? One of my closest friends had a goal last year of having at least one intentional conversation a day with someone so she could get to know them better. Maybe that is already something you do well, so go the extra mile and stretch yourself to develop into a stronger individual.
6. Recognize the light at the end of the tunnel.
Remember, you already conquered last semester. You're a survivor and you're going to survive this semester too! There IS a light at the end of this tunnel and in the scope of the school year...YOU'RE ALREADY HALF WAY THERE! Give yourself a pat on the back and get ready to go be the best you that you can be!
