New Year, new me: setting goals 101
As the new year kicks off, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air—a feeling of fresh beginnings, clean slates, and the hope for something better. For me, this time of year is all about reflection and creating intentions that help me grow, not aim for perfection. It’s a chance to celebrate the wins of the past year, learn from the challenges, and set realistic goals that move me forward.
Looking Back to Move Forward
First things first, let’s talk about reflecting on the past year. When I think back on the last 12 months, I try not to focus only on what went wrong or the mistakes I made. Instead, I look for the wins—big and small. Maybe it was passing a tough class, learning how to cook a new recipe, or simply staying consistent with a good habit like journaling. These moments are worth celebrating! They’re proof that progress is possible.
Of course, challenges are part of the story too. Whether it was procrastinating on assignments or struggling to keep up with everything, there were definitely lessons to take away. The key is not beating yourself up over these moments. Instead, ask yourself: What can I do differently this year? How can I take one step closer to where I want to be? Reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Building Goals That Stick
Now let’s talk resolutions. The idea of creating new year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially if you set your sights on something huge, like “become the best student ever” or “never procrastinate again.” Spoiler: That’s not realistic. The trick is to break things down into smaller, manageable goals that you’re excited about.
Here’s how I like to create goals:
Keep it specific. Instead of saying, “I’ll get healthier this year,” say, “I’ll go on a 20-minute walk three times a week.”
Make it measurable. Track your progress so you can celebrate milestones along the way. Maybe you’ll check off your study hours in a planner or log the books you’ve read this year.
Start small. Big changes don’t happen overnight. Focus on one or two habits at a time, like drinking more water or getting to bed 30 minutes earlier. Once those stick, you can add more!
For me, I’m focusing on building a consistent morning routine this year. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching or journaling, it’s something that sets the tone for my day and helps me feel grounded.
Staying Positive When Things Don’t Go Perfectly
Here’s the truth: You’re going to mess up. Maybe you skip a week of workouts, miss a goal, or fall back into an old habit. And that’s okay! The new year isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up and trying again.
Whenever I hit a roadblock, I like to remind myself that progress isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, and that’s part of the journey. Instead of giving up, I ask: What’s one small thing I can do today to get back on track? Even tiny steps—like organizing my desk or drinking a glass of water—can help me reset and keep moving forward.
Tips for Starting the Year Strong
If you’re ready to make the most of this year, here are a few tips to get you started:
Reflect on your wins and lessons from last year. Write them down!
Choose 1-3 goals that excite you and break them into small steps.
Find an accountability partner—a friend or family member who can cheer you on.
Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Progress takes time!
Celebrate the small victories along the way. They’re what keep you motivated.
At the end of the day, the new year isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about continuing to grow and learn, one step at a time. So let’s start this year with a positive mindset and a commitment to progress over perfection.
Luna Xu and Julia Li - Co-Writers
Julia Li - Editor
