Congratulations! You survived an exhaustively long year. There there, give yourself a pat for making it through; I am proud of you. Now that you’re here, lets plan for the next 365 days (or 365-n days, depending on what date you’re reading this on).
Analyse your previous year
Not everything that happened in the past should stay in the past. Our experiences, both positive and negative, shape us and direct our future actions. Therefore, it is only wise to use our mistakes, victories and events from 2021 to transform 2022 in the best way possible.
Ask yourself the following questions (tip: be honest)
- What was your biggest win last year and what helped you achieve it?
- What was your greatest loss and what did you learn from it?
- One thing you wish you had done differently?
- Who showed up for you and who let you down?
- What were your limiting beliefs?
Your answers will not only give you your due closure for the previous year but will also set the foundation for this year.
Fore-set your goals
If you have your goals in place from the beginning, you will never find yourself in a confused place. To save yourself from landing in situations where you lose sight and to always remain ahead in the game; SET YOUR GOALS.
- Personal goals: These are the goals that you want to achieve for your personal self. These may include but are not limited to – good health, regulating your emotions, finding a hobby and practicing it or spending more time outdoors!
- Professional goals: Your aims regarding your degree or job. What do you want your GPA to look like this year or what internship you got your eyes on? Make a list of all your work-related/professional goals at the beginning of the year.
Once you have your personal and professional goals sorted out, you must allocate time smartly to each so that you don’t find yourself juggling between them all. Everything you do should take you closer to these goals.
Have balance this year
Having the right balance between your goals and your mental health is of utmost importance. To achieve this balance, you need to learn the art of prioritising. Look at your goals and rank them on the basis of importance. For some of us, our personal goals come first while for others professional goals rank higher. If you choose personal over professional, you must add holidays into your plan for the year. While those inclined towards accomplishing professional goals should take less days off but also not give in to the burnout. Having the right balance between both will make your year fruitful.
It is okay to fall back
Losses are inevitable. Be it in your personal life or professional – not everything you work towards will be a win achieved. And so no matter how many goals we plan beforehand, life’s unpredictable challenges and nature’s timing will always come in the way. There will be times where things go according to plan but also times where they won’t. Remind yourself during the latter that – it is okay. It is okay if you didn’t get that internship, scored low on a course. It is also okay if you took more days off than planned. Losses do not mean the end, they only mean change of plans. Shift your focus to the next best internship and work harder for the rest of the courses instead. As long as you are here, you are in control.
2022 mantra: to not let losses define our journey!
