Now that winter break is coming to an end, it is time to start thinking about the start of the spring semester. This is an exciting time because at the beginning of a new semester you have the opportunity to cut loose some of the bad habits you’ve had in the past. To start, it is a good idea to identify any problem habits that you don’t want to carry over from last semester. I also suggest that you set yourself some goals that you can try and accomplish in the coming semester.  I always try to do this.  I’m not saying it always works for me, but it atleast gives me something to work towards.  Also having a few goals is always a good idea so that you will be self motivated. So here is my personal list of habits to kick, and goals to set.

Habits to Kick:

• Procrastination – I do this way to often, and it causes way too much unneeded stress

• Sleeping in class- I don’t do this often, but still, it’s terrible to do.

• Showing up late to class- It is always awkward to walk into a lecture hall while the professor is in the middle of a lesson.

• Sleeping in late- Last semester I had all afternoon classes, so I would waist away the mornings in bed.

Goals to Set:

• Go to the library more- It is a lot easier to study there.

• Communicate with Professors- Ask any questions I have during office hours or through email.

• Wake up Earlier-  This is a must since I have 9 am classes Monday- Friday this semester. A big change from by late afternoon schedule I had last semester.

• Stop Procrastinating- I plan on starting on assignments as soon as a find out about them.

• Take better notes- The notes I usually take are half-assed and missing many key points, which I pay for when I am trying to study.

• Join/ Form a study group- I feel like this will really help me with tests.

Your Turn

Now that I have made a list of all of my bad habits, as well as a list of my goals for the semester, it is time for you to do the same.  Make them challenging, but also make sure you will be able to obtain them.  With new years just behind us, you can consider the list of things that you come up with to be part of your new years resolution…or not because no one ever really sticks with their new years resolution anyway.  Do make a strong effort though, to eliminate bad habits, and also to accomplish the goals you set.  Believe me it really will pay off.  If you’re up for it, you can even post your own list below in the comment section.