As we settle into the rhythm of 2024, the school year’s midway point is already upon us. Whether you’re looking to finish strong or just stay afloat through June, the start of a new semester presents the perfect opportunity for every student to recalibrate and prepare for success. Here are five key strategies to help maximize your academic and personal growth in the second half of the year.
5. Keep Your Head in the Game
In the shadow of last semester’s challenges, it’s easy to become disheartened by all the work that’s yet to come. Maybe you’re dissatisfied with your academic performance so far and wondering if you should call it quits. Maybe you’re terrified of upcoming finals and exams. Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed by the prospect of slogging through five more months of school. Whatever the case, you must enter the new semester with a focused and optimistic mindset. Try to leave the first half of the year in the past: if you weren’t happy with your grades or achievements last semester, you have all the more reason to persist from here on out. As my favorite math teacher once told me, “don’t worry about numbers. Work hard, and the good grades will come naturally.” (That didn’t end up being the case for his class, but it’s a good mantra nonetheless.) Remember that if you take a shot at success this semester, you might make it—and if not, you definitely won’t.
4. Set Clear Goals
Like resolutions, goals can be quickly washed up by passivity and overwhelm. This semester, try setting realistic objectives with the acronym SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Take this basic goal as an example:
I will study more this semester.
Now let’s elevate it by applying the SMART parameters:
I will study physics for 2 hours every week of February. I will accomplish this by completing every homework assignment and checking my answers. This will improve my understanding of circular motion.
I will not be trying for this goal, but you totally could! Here’s a stolen template for planning similar SMART objectives:
My goal is to [quantitative objective] by [timeframe / deadline]. I will accomplish this goal by [what steps you’ll take to achieve this goal]. Accomplishing this goal will [result or benefit].
I like to create several small goals instead of attempting loftier ones over a long period of time. It may help you to check off achievements as you go and reward yourself for bigger accomplishments.
3. Forget Motivation—Practice Discipline
Motivation ebbs and flows. Think about it: how many times have you jumped to start a project only to abandon it by the end of the week? (Or in my case, never jumped in the first place…) Cultivating discipline is the only reliable way to sustain long-term success. In his best-selling book Atomic Habits, which I’ve never read, James Clear introduces the idea of getting 1% better every day. What does that look like when achieving your goals this semester? You might decide to implement one small, daily habit: like cleaning your desk at the end of each day or putting your phone away during class. Big changes don’t happen overnight! Try making a list of easy, doable “1 percents” and pick one to start today. Then continue it every single day, no matter what excuses come up. I’ll go first: when I’m done writing this article, I’ll respond to my scary emails even though I really, really don’t want to.
2. Maintain Your Social Life
When school gets busy, it can be hard to keep up with connections. Try to find balance and prioritize your personal life whenever possible. It’s hard, but there’s not much to say except that you have to do it. Your time in high school is fleeting—the last thing you want is to regret not spending more of it with your friends.
1. Progress > Perfection!
Above all, remember not to get lost in the pursuit of perfection. Much like my Christmas wish for a horse in 2012, it will never arrive. Have patience with yourself! Progress doesn’t always make itself apparent, and some days won’t be easy—but other days will be worth it.
Best of luck with the rest of the school year. Here’s a reminder from Marcus Aurelius for your travels: Do your own work, mind your own business, and have no time for slanderers.
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