As I am at the halfway point of my break, I have reflected upon what worked for me last semester and what didn't work.

In other words, taking a personal inventory of what I need to change for this upcoming semester. Doing this personal inventory brings me peace and a game plan that will be easy to enact once I get back to campus.

Here are some of the things I've looked at and some changes I'm making. I encourage you to do a personal inventory too and work on making positive changes.

1. Studying.

I feel like my first semester I've tried studying at every hour of the day and every method possible to find out what works best. I decided that this upcoming semester, I will dedicate a half an hour immediately before each class to a quick review of the latest lecture, reading, notes, etc..

Additionally, all my studying will take place before dinner. I find that I'm most concentrated and focused this way, so I will study from around 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. (excluding class time obviously) and use after dinner for any light essay outlining, planning my study schedule, and personal free time.

First semester, I had a tendency to study too much, which honestly wasted time that I could have used to do something that is equally fruitful. By studying diligently and without distraction, my studying will not only be more useful, but also take less time.

2. Exercise.

At the beginning and towards the end of the semester, I went to the gym consistently every day, but I will commit to waking up early and going to the gym every morning. Besides the fact that I enjoy exercise and it's good for physical health, it also makes you more alert, aware, and focused.

3. Personal Free Time.

By finishing my studying earlier, I will make time for cleaning my dorm room, reading, reflecting, improving my spirituality, meditating, and even just doing nothing. This way I can have a clear head and catch myself if I am feeling overwhelmed.

4. Sleep.

My first semester sleep pattern was more or less consistent towards the end, but it can still use some work. I will schedule my sleeping time and discontinue use of electronics 30 minutes before I go to sleep, so I can sleep soundly, wake up early, and feel well rested.

5. Study Free Night.

I implemented this towards the end of the semester and found it to be effective. After my last class on Friday, I'd trudge back to my dorm at 4 and the last thing I'd want to do is study, so my studying wouldn't be effective. I plan to not study at all after class concludes on Fridays, to give myself a little extra free time to just relax.

Reading this over, it sounds like a pretty good plan, but a pretty hard to follow plan as well. I will commit to doing this and write another article probably in late February about how much success this brings to my life. My first semester of college brought more successes than failures and overall was a good experience.

I'm excited to refine the methods and habits that I began first semester, so that I can achieve all my personal, academic, and intellectual goals in a healthier way.