I trust that your experiences so far as an LSE student have been both challenging and rewarding as we approach yet another year! A New Year is usually a time for reflection, as well as planning ahead. New Year’s resolutions can be very motivating, and I have numerous tips to share with all of you!
1. Reflect on your 2024
When creating a plan for 2025, it’s crucial to first determine where you have reached in 2024. And for that reason, three questions need to be considered:
- What are you proud of?
- What did you struggle with?
- How can you improve?
2. Choose a goal-setting model that works for you
There are many goal-setting models available that can help you set clear and specific goals. It is important to experiment and choose one that works for you. I would like to share a model that I have found particularly helpful—the SMART model
Here’s how it works:
- Specific: Define your goal clearly. For instance, instead of saying “read more books,” set a goal like “read for 10 minutes every day”.
- Measurable: Determine criteria that allow you to assess your progress. You could set a question for yourself like “Did I read for 10 minutes today?”
- Achievable: Create goals that stretch the boundaries but are still realistic. Instead of saying that you want to read for two hours a day, it is probably more realistic to aim for 10-30 minutes a day.
- Relevant: Make sure your resolutions align with your future goals. For instance, if you want to work in finance, you can create a plan that includes reading related books or finding a part-time job to do with finance.
- Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals, like making sure you finish a book within one month.
3. Create a system of accountability
Share your goals with a friend and ask them to check in with you once in a while to make sure that you are sticking to your resolutions. In case you want to keep your goals more private, then you can opt for options like habit trackers and setting up calendar reminders to carry out your goal.
4. Reward systems
It is certainly not easy to remain motivated when there are no rewards. One way to deal with this is to gamify your journey. Break your goals into smaller steps and set milestones against them. These steps could be anything like cooking your favourite food after a good study session or something bigger like going on a vacation once you accomplish a milestone.
5. Leverage LSE’s resources
Achieving your goals can be challenging when you try to do it all on your own. Don’t forget to look around and make the most of the resources you have access to. Whether it is academic support, networking opportunities, or personal development tools, taking advantage of these resources can help you progress faster and more effectively.
At LSE, there are countless resources designed to support your learning and personal development. Personally, I’ve found LSE LIFE to be super helpful. For instance, when I was struggling with my LSE100 assignment, I booked a one-to-one session with a study advisor who provided me with constructive feedback on my LSE100 essay. They also offer a wide range of workshops, events, and online resources—so be sure to explore everything they have to offer!
Also, don’t forget to take advantage of office hours with your teachers, especially when you’re struggling with concepts on your course or if you have any questions.
If you are looking to progress in your career, whether it’s securing an internship or landing a job, I highly recommend exploring the resources offered by LSE Careers. They provide valuable support in writing your CV, crafting a cover letter, preparing for assessment centres, and much more!
