EP 42: 5 Strategies to Start the New Year and New Semester Off Right
It can be challenging to ease back into the semester after the holidays. However, there are strategies you can easily implement to help you thrive in the new semester. This week, on Episode 42, join Cath Anne as she discusses 5 strategies you can use right now to help make the transition into second semester a little smoother.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Cath Anne: : [00:00:00] Hi guys and welcome back to our channel. My name is Cath Anne and I’m the host of Homework Gelp Global’s the Homework Help Show and this is Episode 42 of the show.
Cath Anne: : [00:00:10] Here on the show we provide you with valuable content for your academic and student life. Let’s jump in.
Cath Anne: : [00:00:16] So it’s 2019. You’re beginning a new semester and a brand new year. It can be challenging to make this transition especially if you are a little bit maybe sluggish after the holidays. So today we wanted to give you five strategies that can ease that transition and help you to jump right back into a new semester feeling fresh and ready to take on the world.
Cath Anne: : [00:00:47] The first strategy I wanted to talk about is make smart resolutions, and what I mean by smart is S M A R T which is the acronym for making a smart goal. Don’t make vague statements about your goals. A lot of times we will set goals but we won’t be able to attain them because they are too vague. This is where the smart acronym can come in handy. Use the smart acronym to make defined and achievable goals. Let’s go through what the smart acronym stands for. Make goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. For example don’t say, “I want to work out more.” Say, “I want to work out three times a week.” This is a very specific goal. It’s not as vague as, “I want to work out more.”.
Cath Anne: : [00:01:35] Measure that goal. Keep track of it and write down how many times you actually go to the gym within the run of a week. This will help you measure your goal and in the long run help you to be more successful.
Cath Anne: : [00:01:48] Make sure your goal is something that you are able to attain. So make sure it is attainable. Don’t set a goal that is too lofty. For example if you are not going to the gym at all now maybe don’t make a goal to go seven days a week. Start out with 3 and if you get more, that’s great. Just make sure your goal is attainable.
Cath Anne: : [00:02:10] You also want to make sure that your goal is relevant. Is it something that means something to you? What Does losing weight or getting fit, going to the gym, mean to you? Does It have meaning in your life? Your goals should have meaning because that will help motivate you along the way. And if they don’t have meaning then you will be less likely to achieve them.
Cath Anne: : [00:02:30] And finally, you want to make sure that your goals are time-bound. Three times a week – that gives you a logical timeframe within which to work and it can help you along the way to being more successful.
Cath Anne: : [00:02:43] So the second tip is have a plan for how you are going to pay for your semester and also start paying off student loan debt now. Now that might seem like a large goal to have in mind however, just hear me out. First, let’s talk about what I first mentioned. Make sure that you have everything in place with student loans before going into school. If you’re relying on student loans there can be some issues with administration and things. So make sure that you have that all lined up before you go into your second semester to save you from dealing with that administrative piece and just being able to focus on your classes. Second ,no one ever said that you can’t start paying off your student loans when while you are still in school consider getting a part time job while you’re in school. If you’re not too bogged down with classes, make small contributions to paying off your student debt while you were in school and future you will thank you when you have way less student debt when you are finished school. Overall, just make sure that all of your funding is in place before you go into school so that you do not have to worry about financial things and that you are feeling secure as you move into your academic career.
Cath Anne: : [00:03:57] The third point I wanted to review is make sure that you have all your required textbooks before you enter class. There is nothing worse than going to class and realizing that you don’t have a textbook that you need review all your syllabus first and go to the bookstore purchase your books and make sure you are all set for class so you’re not feeling prepared.
Cath Anne: : [00:04:18] My fourth point is more of a lifestyle point. Prep your meals. Mealprep can help with time management. Each Sunday take a few hours to go grocery shopping and get everything you need for the week plan and a menu and make meals in bulk use a big pot or a crock pot. Make meals in bulk and then freeze them throughout the week so that you have something to quickly grab while you are trying to focus on school and you don’t have to worry about meals smoothies are also a great option for a breakfast grab and go make a batch of muffins and have them on hand free self in the morning so you can grab it and run out the door to take the bus or drive to school.
Cath Anne: : [00:04:57] And my fifth point is know your support network. When things get stressful at school it can be really helpful to know that you have some people in your life that you can fall back on and that you can rely on. Some students living at a distance from their families may not have these building connections so it can help to foster these relationships. Reach out to these people before you go back to school and ask if they’re willing to help with anything while you were in school. Do you need to drive to school when it is a big snowstorm and know someone that has a truck? Connect with them and see if they’d be willing to do this. Do you need a respite from school or being in the city? Maybe you have family living outside the city could you visit them on the weekend and just have some downtime to do some studying at their home. These are all ways to foster relationships but also to secure your support network so that you feel comfortable moving into a new semester and that you feel secure having that support network especially if you’re living away from home.
Cath Anne: : [00:05:59] OK so that’s it for me this week guys, I hope this was of benefit. Happy New Year and I am so happy for you going into 2019 and a new semester. We will be along for the ride, so we can’t wait to hear what’s in store for you. As always if you have any questions leave them in the comments below. Please like this video and give it a thumbs up. If you’re looking into checking out any of our other content, all of our social media platforms are linked in the description box below. Happy 2019. Have a great week guys, talk soon, take care.
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