With Summer coming to a close, we need to start planning for the year ahead. People don’t like to think too far in advance and I completely understand that, but it is healthy to have an idea, or some sort of guideline, as to what you want to see yourself accomplish this upcoming school year. Thinking you have everything planned as to how it is going to happen exactly is just not possible. You can’t prepare for the many curveballs that life is going to throw at you, and that is completely ok. But, if you have certain goals in mind you will be able to handle these bumps in the road a lot better than if you weren’t prepared for them in the slightest. People always tells me that college just passes you by before you know it… So take advantage of these 4 years and make the most of it.
Take a look at some of my suggested goals that you should have for this year to help you have the best year possible:
1. Friends
It doesn’t matter if you go to a big school or a small school, I challenge you to get to know as many people as you can this year. There is no better feeling than walking to class each day seeing a ton of smiling faces you know and a multitude of waves and “hello”s coming your way. I am not saying you have to be BFFs with all of these people, but it is nice to get to know people from all backgrounds and all interests all over campus.
2. Grades
I am always the first person to say that a GPA does not define who you are or what you are capable of by any means. School work comes easier to some than it does to others, and that is completely ok: everyone is different. But, what I don’t want you to do is take this advice and twist it around… If you are trying your best and putting in your absolute one hundred percent effort, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about. But if you are slacking off and partying every night, that is not ok. Remember, you are paying to be here so make the most of it and try your best.
3. Stay Active
I’m not saying spend 2 hours minimum at the gym each day – no one has time for that. But I definitely suggest doing something active a few days a week. Bring gym clothes with you to class so you are motivated to go between or after classes; join an active club; or get some friends together that you haven’t seen in a few weeks and take a workout class together! All of these options fulfill a bunch of goals at one time, so make the most of it.
4. Organizations
I dare you to try one new thing this semester that interests you. If you say your schedule is too busy, it can be something that doesn’t involve a huge time commitment. I was involved in Yoga Club this past year and I loved it. You only had to go to the classes that you were able to attend, so it was not a pressured club or binding whatsoever. This also fulfilled my goals to do something active a few days a week, so it was a win-win situation!
5. Keep In Touch
Trust me, mom and dad want to hear from you even if it’s just a once-a-week quick 10-minute phone call. People get so caught up in their school lives that they forget about what is going on at home. Your parents want to know what’s going on with you! You can even cry about that calculus class together because I’m sure that brings back bad memories for them too…
6. Positivity
I think this is one of the most important goals to set for yourself at any time in your life, not just in college. Looking at life with a positive outlook makes all the difference. People want to surround themselves with positive people. I also find that positive people always bounce back from situations faster than those with a negative outlook. With this new mindset you will find many more good things coming your way…
