It is the beginning of the end. I'm starting my last year of college tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited.
So, before I lose myself in the finale of Game of Thrones tonight and make preparations for class tomorrow, I thought I might step back a little and write down some of my goals for this year. This is a public blog, y'all are gonna hold me accountable.
Goal #1:
Stay ahead of readings
Too often I put off required readings until a few days or a week before the due date. I need to stop doing that. I have a lot to read this semester which means I will need to bury my nose in a book as much as possible in my spare time and
not procrastinate. This is
always easier said than done, but there are things I can do to help myself, such as cutting off my phone during study time, not reading in bed (so I don't feel drowsy), and just generally not spending so much time on social media (except maybe this blog and my instagram).
Goal #2:
Stay positive
I have a very bad habit of doubting myself, and over-analyzing situations. I also suffer from anxiety and mild depression and occasionally I am just overwhelmed with bad feelings no matter what I do, but there are a few things I can do to try and manage my emotions better, and I need to remember them and use them.
Goal #3
Leave some time for ME TIME
Only recently have I begun to take my own self care seriously. It is important to get sleep, lots of water, and do things that I enjoy such as reading a "just-for-fun" book, watching a tv show, sewing or photography. It's also very important to have days where I just hermit, and do not talk or see anyone if I don't want to. This helps me feel less drained when I have to pull myself back into social situations again.
Goal #4
Communicate
This is something I have a hard time with because, as I said before, anxiety is a thing. Regardless, I need to be able to communicate my needs and ideas effectively to others, and not let my anxiety inhibit me from reaching my full potential. I also need to make sure I allow myself time to talk to the people I love. I get very busy between work and school and I sometimes forget to talk to Jeremy, or my parents, or my friends for days and days. Human beings, even introverted, anxious human beings, need to emotionally connect with other people.
Goal #5
Put one foot in front of the other...
Looking at the big picture can be overwhelming, but take it piece by piece and it is surprising how much can be accomplished in a short period of time. I started making lists last year of every task I needed to accomplish during the day and not only did it help me keep track of what needed to be done, it also kept my anxiety levels
way down which improved the quality of my work and my general mental/physical health too!
If you fine readers have any suggestions on how to keep on top of things during college, please share! I will probably add more goals to this list as they come to me, and I will be honest about my progress towards achieving them, even if I'd rather not say. ;)
- Liss
