At the end of any semester things get a little crazy. Schedules change, people move around and your to do list seems to drift away along with many other responsibilities while you take time to hang out with friends and family back home. So here's a little guide to get you back into the groove before this semester comes at you full force:
1. Set Goals
Going into the semester with your "ideal schedule" or goal sheet is a great idea! Maybe you want to hit the gym three times a week - check your class/work schedule and find times for you to slip in a work out. This will make it harder for you to come up with an excuse for not being able to hit the gym or finish that extra homework assignment, if you've had your "to-do's" all planned out since the beginning of the week!
2. Pre-plan
Want to hit the gym later? Go in with a game plan (i.e. 30min run, 20min free weights). If you're trying to eat healthier, check for recipes that use some of the same ingredients and hit the store (i.e. grilled chicken and vegetable medley, grilled chicken Caesar salad). If you're trying to hit the bars later but have a project or a test coming up, plan out your week and how much/what units you're going to work on/study each day.
3. Organize your calendar
I have 3 calendars, and a running to do list. My iCalendar, Planner and Dry erase board calendar. I always have at least one of these with me at all times so that I can keep myself on track for whatever's going on. College students can be really busy with sports, Greek life, clubs, homework, etc. - it makes it really hard for everyone to keep track of what's going on in their lives, so keeping a running, updated calendar (or two, or three) is a great idea! Especially if you're a planner like me.
4. Set aside time for you
Whether it's hitting the bars, taking that free class at the rec or staying at home cuddled up with a book or watching netflix, treat yo'self! Going going going may be fun for some serious type As out there (believe me, I know. I am one), but with work and school and all other responsibilities constantly weighing on us, it is okay to take an hour or two a day to just relax and waste some time.
5. Get away
It doesn't matter if you take a trip with your boyfriend/girlfriend to the beach, or head back home for the weekend. Just go discover something new. Learn something about yourself or a family member or even just some random fact that may leave you wondering.
6. Get ahead
If you're anything like me, you procrastinate like crazy. It's a stressful life, right? This semester, this new year, try your best to start projects early, actually read the chapters when your professor assigns them, start studying the week before like everyone tells you to. It will be worth it.
7. Find your motivation
This will be my last one, my favorite and (in my opinion) the most important one. You should be your own greatest motivation, but if you have that one friend, family member or significant other that pushes you to be your best, then let that be your motivation too! Find a quote that really lifts you up and makes you feel like you can achieve more and put it everywhere - in your planner, on your desk, on your ceiling, on your door, everywhere. Give yourself incentives for accomplishing something - an extra night out for getting ahead, a Starbucks coffee for that extra shift you picked up, a piece of pie for that minute you shaved off of your mile.
Bettering yourself is a tough topic to cover since everything in this list is easier said than done, but try to achieve one or two and build your way up to meeting all seven. A new year is the freshest start you could ever have, take advantage of it. Take this semester by the reigns and do not let yourself down. You can push yourself beyond limits you were ever aware of, hold yourself accountable and always challenge yourself to overcome even bigger obstacles. Good luck to all this semester and happy new year!
