Like it or not, the reality is another school year is right around the corner. Literally… it’s almost here.
Although I will definitely miss the long and sometimes lazy days of summer, I do like the start of the academic year. I know what you’re thinking “She’s full of it!” And don’t get me wrong, there are times in the year I long for the peace of summer, but I like the fresh new feeling of the school year. Why?
As a former student and as an educator, I have always viewed the start of the school year as an opportunity to recalibrate and set goals for myself.
If you are telling yourself that this school year is going to be different and things will change for the better, I want to give you some tips to make that statement true.
- Have a specific GOAL. What is it that you want to change? Is it to be proactive with your school and hand everything on time? Connect more with peers and make new friendships? Be more active in your school or community? Take on leadership roles? Whatever it is you want, write it down and be very specific. Writing down, “To be a better student” isn’t specific enough. It is too broad of a goal, quite frankly it is a goal that is easy to forget about and not take seriously. Get REAL specific on what it is you want to change. Some examples could be: “Join two extracurricular clubs or sports and be an active member.” “Maintain a A (or B) in History class.” I highly recommend you focus on only 1-2 goals to start and maybe add to it as you find yourself progressing towards your goals.
- Let’s get to the feelings. Ask yourself the following questions and be honest. Why do you want that goal now? What is it that you will feel upon reaching this goal? What will change if you achieve this goal? It is important that you become aware of the answers to these question in order to want to change. It is really important that you identify and connect to the emotional feelings attached to this goal so it feels real.
- Be real. What habits do you currently have that aren’t serving you towards your goal? It is so important that you be honest with yourself here. The only way to make a change, is by making a change. It isn’t going to be easy, but if you truly want this goal to become a reality you have to get real with yourself and identify what it is you are currently doing that isn’t working for you and replace with a habit that is going to get you towards your goal. Write down the new habit or habits you are going to practice and write it along with your goal (or goals)
- Be honest with yourself. Everyday reflect on where you stand with your goal. It is so important that you become aware of your daily habits and how they are reflecting your final goal. Every leader takes time to reflect, identify habits that require change and sometimes readjust their goals.
- Get help and support! This is huge!!!! Identify what support is required to make your goal a reality. There is absolutely NO SHAME in getting help, but be mindful of who you ask for help. I don’t recommend you talk to your friend who doesn’t take school too seriously on how you can improve your math skills. Seek help from a trusted, safe and also successful source. Seeking out someone to help support you on your goal will also keep you accountable to your goal. Once you share your goal with a trusted individual you are now bound to make your goal a reality.
I hope these tips help you find the success you are seeking to achieve. I would love to hear what goal you have in mind for this year. If you find you need further support, schedule a 30-minute Power Session. CLICK HERE
Much love,
Andrea
