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Writer's pictureMelissa K. Giddis

New Year, New You?

So, it is the time of the year where many people focus on starting the new year with goals and ambitions for a better future. That is an awesome thought, but how many people actually make it into spring still staying true to those new year’s resolutions? You can look up many studies and articles about this and the answer will be the same, not many. You may be asking why I am talking about this in a teacher blog, well how many of us try to help our students look at a new year as a chance to set new goals. Let’s look at how to use goal setting as an effective tool, not a lost cause.

There are many ways to help students use this time as a way to improve mindset. One option is to teach students how to set SMART goals. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time based. This means that they have to carefully think through what they want to accomplish, why they want to accomplish it, and when they want to accomplish it. This will work well if students are taught how to think through and refine their goals. The reason why so many resolutions fail is that they are often pipe dreams that are vague and have a feeling of “someday”. By setting SMART goals students can have a greater chance of being successful.

Another way to help students refocus at the new year could be to use the “one word” method. This has students brainstorm and think through what they really want for the new year. What will it look like? What will they need to achieve that desired outcome? Then they choose one word to serve as their focus for the year. These could be words like; commitment, kindness, truth, focus, etc. That one word becomes the framework for their decision making process for the year. I have had students say they like this way because it can lead to many more improvements in their life than they might have originally thought of, because it was a change of mindset not just a random goal.

These were just two ways, but there are many more out there. You may find that some students prefer one or the other, or may have one of their own. The point is not the method of changing habits and mindsets, but more the process of ensuring that the changes last. We want to help our students be successful and grow each year. I also challenge you to do more than just set pipe dream resolutions, but truly try and change your mindset this year. I will share with you that my word for this year is Focus. I am endeavoring to make decisions with the focus on what really matters to me. My focus needs to be on my priorities and I need to eliminate any clutter in my life that distracts my focus. What will be your goal/word for the year?


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