Preparing Your New Year’s Resolutions

Goal-setting is a challenging task, but with January 1st less than a week away, hopefully you’ve already started preparing your resolutions. If not, let’s walk through the questions you should ask before proceeding.

Can you absolutely reach the goal? Don’t be unrealistic. For example, if you know your cumulative GPA is a 3.0 and you’re hoping to get a 4.3 average by the end of the semester, reevaluate. Look at your capabilities and start measuring how you’ll achieve the success. Set reasonable goals because impossible ones will only discourage you.

Can you measure success? In the preceding paragraph, I talk about how you should start measuring how you’ll achieve success. That’s an important part of resolution and goal setting. If you’re looking to raise your GPA a little higher, for example, start by setting guidelines and looking to improve quiz scores. Then move on to the larger exams or term papers. Maybe you’re going to volunteer this break. If you volunteer in the future, resolve to raise money instead of singlehandedly solving the problem in Darfur.

Can you plan it? Again, the preceding paragraph alluded to guidelines. You’ll need a plan. You can’t just say “I’m going to help out in Ecuador this summer.” Make sure you know what you’re doing there, how you’re getting there, how long you’ll be there, and anything else required of your trip. If you’re looking to improve your grades, look at your syllabus and requirements and start planning how you’ll do the homework, the reading, the material, the note taking, and anything else you’ll need to boost those scores.

Will you follow through? The biggest problem with most resolutions is that few people are actually committed to proceed beyond the beginning of the year. Set your sights and goals on continuing throughout. Motivate yourself. Have the determination to do what you are looking to do. Write it down. Read it every day. Remind yourself of the benefits of these goals consistently so that you are happy with your successes and are not bound to fail.

What are your goals for the new year, and how do you expect to prepare for them?