1. Set realistic goals for yourself.
After you’ve taken the time to reflect, it’s time to set your goals for the year. You’re going to need a plan for what you want to achieve and how you’re going to get there.
When it comes to setting goals, it’s important that they be realistic and not just things that sound good on paper but aren’t feasible in real life. While dreaming big is great, if your dream is so far-fetched that there’s no way you could achieve it, then maybe it isn’t a goal so much as an aspiration or wish list item—and those are okay too! But make sure they aren’t taking up space in your mind when other things could happen this year.
Also, know that everyone’s goals will be different: If someone else seems like they have achieved their goal or have accomplished something amazing this year (or even last week), there’s nothing wrong with being impressed by them—but never compare yourself!
2. Create a plan for achieving those goals.
- A plan is a necessary first step in achieving any goal.
- Your plan should be flexible enough to change and accommodate changing conditions.
- Your plan should include a timeline.
- Your plan should provide contingency plans for obstacles that might arise.
3. Remind yourself of your accomplishments so far.
The first step to finishing the year strong is to remind yourself of the great things you’ve already accomplished. You may not have hit all of your goals, but look at all the things you’ve learned and grown from. Here are some examples:
- I started a side business.
- I made new friends.
- I learned how to meditate in a group setting (and it was amazing).
- I got back into shape by running more often and lifting weights 3 times per week for 45 minutes each time.
- My relationships with my family members have gotten better over this year because now we’re able to talk about our feelings without getting upset or angry with each other as often as before!
4. Write down how you’ll celebrate when you reach your goals.
To keep your motivation up, it’s important to have a plan for what you’re going to do when that goal is achieved. Maybe it’s a trip you’ve always wanted or a party with your friends. Whatever it is, make sure you write down how you’ll celebrate because celebrating success is the best way to keep motivated and continue working towards bigger goals!
5. Remember that this is not the only chance you’ll have to use the skills and knowledge you’re building now.
- Remember that this is not the only chance you’ll have to use the skills and knowledge you’re building now.
- You’ll probably find unexpected opportunities to apply your skills and knowledge. Don’t be surprised if, a few years from now, a potential employer asks about that night class on programming languages or JavaScript frameworks that were so far out of your comfort zone at the time.
- Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for ways that your current education applies to other situations. For example, if your creative writing professor leads workshops on how to write better fiction, consider attending one as soon as possible—even if it’s outside of what she normally teaches in class! Not only will this help build confidence in understanding the material taught during her classes (and earn some extra credit!), but it will also give more meaning to why those subjects matter so much when preparing yourself for future jobs after graduation.
You can prepare to do your best every day.
You can also prepare to do your best every day by setting goals that are realistic and achievable. If you aim too high, it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned—and then you feel like a failure. But if you set goals that are within the realm of possibility, then achieving them feels like success!
You can also make sure that the path forward is smooth by treating yourself kindly no matter what happens during the day. If something goes wrong, remember that it’s okay: things happen and sometimes there’s nothing we can do about them (especially when we’re not perfect). Celebrate any small victories; take pride in moving forward even when it doesn’t seem like much has changed at first glance!
And most importantly: don’t forget to enjoy yourself along this journey! It may be tempting not only because finishing strong is important but also because it means the end of another year closer to retirement or whatever another goal might motivate you toward excellence at work/life balance (or whatever else matters most). Don’t let pressure from outside sources distract you from enjoying this time for what it truly is—a chance for us all around us here on Earth together before we move on to bigger things up above where there will always be plenty more opportunities ahead…
