By: Moira Du
So, you’ve set your goals for the year. Now what? How do you take actionable steps to achieve those goals? Well, we have answers for you. It’s not going to be easy. Your goals are goals for a reason. You will not magically be a better student in one night. This will be a journey, and you must be ready for it.
Don’t worry, though, because we here at Connect Me will help you. If you require quality tutoring but don’t have the money, sign up to be a tutee at Connect Me! If you just need some advice, this blog is for you. Ready to achieve your goals and become a better student? Here’s a comprehensive back-to-school guide you can utilize.
How do I achieve my goals for the school year?
In the previous blog post, we told you the importance of listing your goals so you have a direction for the school year. Now, it’s time to make these goals a reality. But how?
- Start small and break down your goal into actionable tasks.
The first step is to start small. Take your list of goals. Which one can you do now? Which one should you prioritize? Take that goal and break it down into steps you can take. For instance, what steps can you take to work towards that goal if you want to improve your math grade? You could review your notes at the end of the day. You could practice on your own. Breaking down your goal will make it more doable.
- Stay organized.
Staying organized is key to ensuring your goals are achieved by the end of the year. Whether bullet journaling or using apps like Notion, start your day by making a to-do list, tracking your habits, budgeting your money, listing down your goals and steps you can take to achieve them, and more.
- Create a routine for you to follow every day.
Discipline is one of the most essential parts of success. To improve on discipline and self-control, create a routine for yourself. For instance, you could start by waking up and immediately making your bed rather than lying down for hours scrolling through your phone. In the afternoon, you could take a walk. Creating a routine is a simple way to create stability in your life and increase productivity.
The Best Reading List to Start Your Year Right
Reading is a way to explore other perspectives, build better mindsets, and see other worlds. Here are a few books you should read to help you out this school year. On this list, you’ll find
- How to Two by David Soman (Kindergarten)
A great book about inclusivity and working in a group, How to Two, is the perfect back-to-school read for kindergarteners. They’ll learn the importance of cooperation, including others when playing, and more.
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Middle School)
For middle schoolers, we recommend the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This series offers comedic narrations of a middle schooler, Greg Heffley, and his journey through school.
- Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck (High School)
Finally, we have the Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. Here, readers can learn the importance of figuring out which mindset they have and changing it to adopt a growth mindset – the mindset in which people believe that abilities can be learned and that the skills you have upon birth are not the skills you will only ever have.
These books will help students of any age prepare themselves for the school year ahead, whether by giving them a few tips to succeed or a way to get out of the summer slump and realize school can be fun.
School Essentials: Tools for Every Successful Student
We’re not done yet. Here are some tools we believe you can use to optimize your routine and achieve those goals.
- A Bullet Journal or Tracker
The best way to keep yourself organized is via a bullet journal/tracker. Whether you’re trying to budget your money, keep a schedule, or keep track of your grades, extracurriculars, and assignments, a bullet journal is the best way to go about it. Some great apps for tracking are Trello and Notion.
- Notes
Notes are important ways to remember the lessons you’re learning. You can take notes in two ways: traditional or digital. Traditional notes often include physical notebooks, while digital notes can be made on a computer, tablet, phone, etc. Some great apps for those who choose to go digital are Microsoft OneNote and Evernote for those using a laptop and Notability or CollaNote for those using iPads.
- Additional Study Resources
A little extra help never hurt anyone. Some additional study resources you should check out if you can’t just rely on your textbook and notes are Quizlet and StudyStack.
The Takeaway
There you have it. We’ve given you advice, tools, and a reading list to help you be the best student you can be. Now, it’s your turn to utilize all these to achieve your goals for the school year. Turn these tips into actual actions and watch yourself grow as a person and student. You’re Ivy League material. We know it. Do you?