Happy New Year!!
With the arrival of 2017, the thought of fresh starts, new
beginnings, and resolutions begin to cross our minds. New Year’s brings a time
of reflection, self-evaluation, and opportunity. But, as strong as our self-reflection
may be in the month of January, we tend to lose track of all the effort we put
towards bettering ourselves as the year goes on.
According to Statistic Brain, only 8% (!) of people successfully
achieve their resolution each year. At Peirce College, we want to help encourage
you to be your best self every day, no matter what month it is. Below are some
tips on how to keep those resolutions going year-round from Meryl Silver, an
Academic Advisor in our Walker Center for Academic Excellence.
1. Keep it Simple and Real!!
Review the various areas of your life and think about what’s
working and what isn’t. Don’t pick the same resolutions that you can never seem
to keep. Pick something small and achievable that you know needs improvement
rather than radical change. Choose carefully and concentrate on resolutions
that will have the greatest impact on your fulfillment. For example, setting up
two study sessions/tutoring appointments for specific hours each week to focus
on your coursework will obviously improve your grades – but it’ll also give you
a sense of pride and personal happiness!
2. Use a buddy system!!
Tell a friend, family member or classmate whom you trust
about your resolution. This buddy will be able to support you and check back
with you on your goal. If you begin to waver, their support will help keep you
from giving up, just in case you feel like quitting. If the two of you are
striving for similar goals, you’ll be helping each other through the same experiences
and concerns. In fact, you’ll be boosting each others’ resolutions! Have a
weekly “check in” with your buddy and report to each other what you’ve
accomplished in that time. You’ll feel focused and more successful.
3. Say it loud and proud!!
Be sure to use positive language rather than being
negative when thinking of your resolutions. For example, rather than thinking “I
can’t be bothered with studying tonight,” think “I always feel so much better
after I’ve set aside time and completed some studying to stay on top of my
classwork.” Highlight the benefit to you; this is motivating and stops you from
focusing on the negative for not doing as expected.
4. Set a weekly power time!!
Mark your calendar! You can help your own success by
setting aside a half an hour every Sunday evening. Use the half hour to “map”
out your week ahead and to re-affirm your goal (for example, keeping up with
your math homework). Look back at the previous week and recognize your small
successes (such as scoring high on your math quiz that week since you were so
prepared!). Look at the week ahead to know what you need to do and when.
5. Celebrate!!
Be sure to celebrate your successes – even small ones. Just
be sure that your celebration doesn’t interfere with the steps toward your
goal. Now, keep going! You’ve done well by “breaking it down” to small,
attainable, realistic goals. Extend the timeline of your resolution and
continue to work it into your everyday routine. Stay positive with each
challenge ahead!
We wish you a safe and healthy journey through 2017. May it be the greatest year ever!
