This fall school starts for most of us. For me, it‘ll be my first semester at university. If you‘re reading this you‘re probably like me and want to make the most of this next year – academically and personally. So let‘s explore nine tips to make this next year the best ever and become the best version of yourselves.

 

 

ONE:

Let‘s start with the basics: Goals. Before we can achieve anything we need to know what to achieve. Wanting to be good in school is not a good goal because it‘s too broad. Split this goal into sections. For example, a grade you want to achieve in math or English, always doing your homework, etc. By being clear and precise these goals make it easy to create a roadmap to the finish line.

 

 

TWO:

Now that you have written down SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound), you need action to get there. Habits and routines make goals easier to achieve. For each goal write down habits and routines that serve that goal. Make sure that these habits are bound to a time and place contributing to easier habit-building. 

 

For example, if you want to get a better grade in math habits could be: asking for help immediately if you don‘t get anything in class, practicing for an hour each week (ex.: Monday 4 pm), doing every homework and assignment and giving your all, studying a week before to avoid cramming the night before and not understanding the concepts fully.

 

 

THREE:

Stay organized. Make it a habit to stay organized: pack your bag the night before, sort your materials at the end of the week, clean your environment (clean space = clean mind), and keep track of your assignments and homework in a planner.

 

Your study space should only contain the materials you need for your study session. Remove unnecessary clutter and remove all distractions. This creates a space where you only focus on the tasks at hand.

 

 

FOUR:

Learn beyond the classroom. Learn about new topics, listen to podcasts, and read articles in your field of study and beyond. 

Expand your horizons and pursue your passions outside of school to create balance.

 

It’s crucial to keep up with your hobbies and also to move your body enough. Exercise helps the learning process, stimulates the brain, reduces stress and improves sleep. 

These things are not a waste of time, on the contrary, they save you a lot of time, reduce stress and boredom, and boost your motivation.

 

 

FIVE:

Change your mindset. Adopt a growth mindset: intelligence and skills can be developed through dedication, perseverance and hard work. Know that every failure, every setback and every mistake teaches you lessons crucial for your journey to success. Know that everything you need to succeed is already in you; you just need to let it shine.

 

Journal about your relationship with productivity and define success for you. Challenge your mindset around work, success and productivity, and be open to new ideas.

 

 

SIX:

Feel like you don‘t have enough time? Take a look at your screen time and you might find the hours you‘re searching for.

 

Reduce your screen time to a minimum and be careful when you spend time on social media. Using your phone first thing in the morning clouds your mind and makes your dopamine levels rise, making it harder to do difficult things.

 

Set daily limits on your favorite apps and stick to them. Unfollow people whose content is not benefiting you and uninstall apps that you don‘t use or that are too distracting.

 

 

SEVEN:

Break monotony. Try out different study routines and techniques to find out which fit you. Find ways to make learning more engaging by quizzing yourself, having discussions with classmates, and creating memorable phrases or acronyms.

 

Study at different spots – if you can switch your study spots to make studying more exciting. Having the same routines and studying at your desk all day every day can get boring and makes you lose motivation. 

 

 

EIGHT:

Practice self-care. Focus on positive self-talk. Instead of saying I can’t do this, say I can do this because I studied really hard. Correct your thoughts and put a reason behind it. Nourish yourself and take time for yourself

Don’t neglect social connections. That’s one mistake I made in high school which left me feeling burnt out and one I deeply regret. Meet up with friends that make you feel good and don’t leave you drained. I promise you will feel refreshed for your next study session.

 

 

NINE:

Take enough breaks. Breaks are important because your brain forms neural connections during rest. That’s why getting enough sleep helps the learning process.

Reflect on your process and be proud of yourself. Let your actions affirm your self-image and let your accomplishments build confidence. 

Whenever I do what I said I was going to do I feel so confident. The fact that I can trust my own promises makes me more confident.