New year resolutions might not have come to us from Indian culture but it has definitely become one of our modern day traditions. And why wouldn’t it, since it brings with it the promise of a better tomorrow, a better future, and a better ‘you’?
Today, we will talk about how, CAT aspirants, you can create some long-lasting new year resolutions for students that will aid in your CAT preparation goals and help you streamline your study.
Now, we know that the new year is a time for reflection and making resolutions for the year ahead. For students, this can be a time to make study resolutions, set goals for academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being. What we want to highlight here, though, is that making a long list of resolutions, all of which require work, can quickly become daunting, and turn into defeat, giving up and a sense of failure. If you’re human (like us), you know the feeling. 🙂
Here’s a fantastic short read by one of our favourite writers, Mark Manson, on why we fail.
So, what do we do? Just give up? Stop making resolutions? Aim small? Nah. As Sara Bareilles sings, ‘We’re not scared…we’re jus underprepared…’. Well, there is a solution to that – being prepared. Let’s get into it.
Being prepared can look like different things for different people, and then, there are aspects of preparedness that can feel similar too.
Here are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions for students that YOU can make
Academic goals: Set specific goals for each class, such as improving your grade in a particular subject or getting involved in extracurricular activities. This will slowly turn into your academic success guide.
Personal growth: Make resolutions to improve your study habits, develop new skills, or become more involved in your community.
Well-being: Set goals to improve your physical and mental health, such as eating healthier, exercising more, or getting enough sleep.
By aiming to work on academic, personal and well-being goals together, what you do is create an environment of meaningful changes that make you better in one way and reflect positively on the other areas of your life.
For example, a very specific, and yet very common goal for a lot of people, students especially, is waking up early. Now, waking up early is a large idea. Say we bring it down to waking up 30 minutes earlier than you do now. So, if you generally wake up by 8.30 am, try to wake up by 8 instead. Nothing too drastic. But, the moment you start doing this, the following happens
- You instantly feel better because you have achieved a goal
- Your morning is now 30 minutes longer, so you can move at a more relaxed pace through your morning tasks
- You can give yourself 20 minutes of tea+study time which you couldn’t before
- These minor developments give you a sense of satisfaction and increase the feeling of success in you
- And, very importantly, your regular waking up time will reflect on your sleeping schedule, and will automatically streamline it too.
Look at that. A small, but specific, change, and you’ve already got a bucketload of benefits coming at you!
Resolutions act as roadmaps guiding students through their academic journey. They serve as a commitment to personal and academic growth, providing a clear direction for achieving success. For students navigating the dual demands of college and competitive exams, resolutions become even more vital in ensuring a balanced and focused approach to studies.
Practical Advice for Making Resolutions
1. Set Realistic and Attainable Goals
Begin by identifying specific, measurable, and achievable goals. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes resolutions more achievable but also provides a sense of accomplishment as each milestone is reached.
2. Prioritise and Organise
Time management is key when juggling college studies and competitive exam preparation. Create a schedule that allocates dedicated time for both academic pursuits. Prioritise tasks based on deadlines and importance, ensuring that each commitment receives the attention it deserves.
3.Consider Personal Strengths and Weaknesses
Tailor resolutions to individual strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge areas that require improvement and set resolutions that address those challenges. Similarly, leverage existing strengths to excel in certain subjects or aspects of exam preparation.
4. Stay Flexible
Recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise, impacting your ability to stick to resolutions. Remain adaptable and be willing to adjust goals as needed. A flexible mindset helps in navigating unexpected challenges without compromising overall progress.
Before we go, some Tips for Keeping Study Resolutions
1. Create a Study Environment
Designate a dedicated study space that is free from distractions. Establishing a conducive environment helps enhance focus and productivity, making it easier to adhere to study resolutions.
2. Use Effective Study Techniques
Experiment with various study methods to find what works best for you. Techniques such as active recall, spaced repetition, and summarization can aid in efficient learning and retention of information.
3. Break Down Study Sessions
Divide study sessions into manageable chunks, incorporating short breaks between tasks. This approach prevents burnout and promotes sustained concentration, making it easier to adhere to study resolutions consistently.
4. Utilise Technology Wisely
Leverage educational apps, online resources, and productivity tools to streamline your study routine. Tools like note-taking apps, flashcard platforms, and study planners can enhance organisation and efficiency.
5. Seek Support and Accountability
Share your resolutions with friends, family, or study groups. Having a support system encourages accountability and provides an additional source of motivation for exam preparation. Discussing progress and challenges with peers fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Making and keeping resolutions is a powerful tool for students navigating the complexities of college and competitive exam preparation. By setting realistic goals, prioritising tasks, and adopting effective study strategies, students can not only fulfil their academic aspirations but also develop valuable life skills such as discipline and perseverance. In the pursuit of academic success, resolutions serve as a guiding light, steering students towards a future of achievement and fulfilment.
We hope that this essay helped guide you into making some effective and practical study resolutions. We publish essays regularly to aid in your online CAT exam preparation. To learn about time management, you can read one of our earlier essays on studying and keeping time, and managing time while you study and work. For more such essays and insights, stay tuned to our blog here or come check us out on socials via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. We’re everywhere! We’re Takshzila.
Happy New Year!
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