Happy New Year!! You are never too young (or old!) to learn the most efficient ways to set and keep your personal goals. Amid the noise and pressure of New Year’s Resolutions, take this time to focus on what’s really important to you and make small adjustments to set you on a successful path. The end of your senior year is hardly a time to add unwanted pressure, but instead an opportunity to prioritize and focus. When setting any goal, it's important to be realistic. Instead of aiming for drastic changes, focus on small, achievable goals that you can build upon over time.
Goals are fostered by consistency. Habit stacking is a technique where you add a new habit to an existing one.
This can help you build new habits within your pre-existing routine. Here's how it works:
Identify a Current Habit: Choose a habit you already do regularly, such as brushing your teeth or taking your dog for a walk.
Stack a New Habit: Add a new habit to your existing one. For example, after you brush your teeth, you could sit down with your planner for 5 minutes and review your day/week.
Be Consistent: The key to habit stacking is consistency. Stick to your new habit every day, even if it's just for a short time.
Here are a few simple tasks that make a huge difference over time. These can make you a stronger reader, better writer, or help you get better at your craft. Skim over them and get thinking about what small habits you could incorporate within your daily routine:
Read 10 pages of a book a day
Complete 2 extra problems in a course you find challenging
Write for 10 minutes a day (free write, without stopping)
Write down 5 things you are grateful for each day
Go for a 20 minute walk outside
Practice playing an instrument for 20 minutes a day
Additional Tips:
Track Your Progress: Use a journal, a planner, or a habit tracker app to monitor your progress.
Celebrate Your Successes: Reward yourself for achieving your goals, no matter how small they may seem.
Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself: If you slip up, don't give up. Just start again tomorrow.
Find a Support System: Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you.
Remember–it’s not what you do perfect every time, but what you do with consistency MOST of the time. What are some small habits you can start stacking today?
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