Pepperdine is full of hard-working students, and it can be overwhelming to decide which ambitions to prioritize. Many students struggle to balance everything they want to try, so it’s important to take time to reflect on desired achievements and set clear goals for the school year.
Senior Dora Csonge said she faced difficulty weighing different aspects of her college life during her first year at Pepperdine.
“I wanted to get involved in a lot of different things: I got a job, I was doing research and I joined a sorority,” Csonge said. “I still wanted to do well in school, and as a Biology major it was hard to balance everything.”
Set Clear Goals
Creating clear goals provides direction and motivation, whether it’s striving for higher grades, joining a new club or landing an internship. Pepperdine’s Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program is a helpful resource for students navigating life’s difficulties, big or small.
Csonge said she reached out to RISE coaching and explained her worries. They helped her create small, achievable weekly goals.
“I basically learned the importance of setting realistic goals as a stepping stone for bigger accomplishments,” Csonge said. “That way, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed, and I actually got things done. Now I try to set smaller goals for every week, and it keeps me from being too anxious.”
Breaking big goals down into smaller, actionable steps can help integrate them into daily routines. Writing goals down or creating a vision board can also help keep objectives clear and at the forefront of the mind.
Construct a Daily Routine
Mapping out a day-to-day schedule, including class times and other commitments, fosters a sense of preparedness and control. Prioritizing organization when creating an ideal routine is a great way to start the new school year. During the first few weeks of classes, filling out a planner or digital calendar can benefit a day-to-day routine.
Junior Richard Egoyan emphasized the value of organizing thoughtful schedules while allowing for breaks from school duties.
“It’s important to balance your schedule and not overcrowd it with too much work,” Egoyan said. “It’s also important to reward yourself for your accomplishments — make a schedule and hold yourself accountable to it.”
Once a routine is established, maintaining it is crucial. Consistency plays a large role in helping the mind and body adapt to new routines.
Value Self-Care
When adjusting to a new environment, overwhelming feelings are common. However, stress can negatively impact performance and health. Amid the mayhem of a new semester, it’s essential to care for both physical and mental well-being. Moments that prioritize self-care are crucial to nourishing the body and mind.
Junior Kayla Bruckhart said she encourages others to dedicate time to activities that bring happiness and relaxation, as they help recharge energy and prevent burnout.
“Being outside, going on long walks or working out at the gym is a time for me to truly feel at peace, not worrying about all the stressful work and pressures that I encounter every day,” Bruckhart said. “Having the discipline to set aside physical activity in my schedule has also really benefited me in staying focused because I am able to build healthier habits into my daily life.”
Remember to keep in mind that taking care of yourself is just as important as striving for academic success.
Finding balance is key when starting a new chapter. Setting clear goals, staying organized and prioritizing self-care are essential steps for a smooth transition into a successful school routine. With thoughtful planning and a focus on healthy habits, the year ahead can be an amazing one.
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Contact Bohuen Tong via email: bohuen.tong@pepperdine.edu
