Same year, new you: A 7-step method for mid-year resolutions

June 19, 2024

Fireworks fizzled out of your new year resolution? Whether it’s career progression, financial goals or passion projects, reignite your goals mid-year using proven methods.

New year’s resolutions are so last year. Literally, yes. But also, figuratively. The Forbes Health/One Poll survey found that the average resolution lasts just over 3 months. This big picture style of goal setting isn’t as effective as people once thought it was.

Often a change in behaviour, lifestyle and mindset is required to achieve these goals, so thinking of them simply isn’t enough. Whether it be saving money, getting a degree, or landing a new job, there’s a right and a wrong way to go about making these goals a reality.

Why is goal setting so important for students?

Goal setting is a proven component of success. Not only does it help you gain momentum in life, research shows that goal setting can also:

• Improve your overall effort and performance

• Provide clear direction

• Prevent procrastination

• Make you accountable

• Increase motivation

While the action of studying, practising or training is what takes you from where you are to where you want to be, goal setting is what determines your pathway, keeps you on track, and ultimately creates that required behavioural change or mindset shift.

How to turn a wish into a goal, and a goal into a reality

Use this 7-step goal setting approach for your mid-year resolutions.

1. Identify your goals

Goals may look different for everyone—wants, dreams, resolutions, bucket lists—but we all have them. Set yourself up for success by following the SMART guide criteria:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Time-bound

2. Remember a good goal is an action-oriented goal

Action-oriented goals are more likely to result in success than avoidance goals. Re-frame yours to work in this context e.g. change ‘stop wasting money’ to ‘save $20 a week’.

3. Challenge yourself

An analysis of thousands of research findings found that challenging yet achievable goals are more effective than 'do your best' goals. The understanding is that the easier the goal, the less you’ll work to achieve it. Choose something that has an energising effect on you.

4. Write it down

This solidifies your commitment and gives you a sense of accountability. According to this Forbes article, on a neurological level, writing down your goal activates a cognitive process that encodes your goal into your memory and helps register it as important.

Be specific and vivid, include all details like why you’re making this goal to understand your reasoning and store it somewhere visible, so it remains front-of-mind.

5. Break it down

Divide your goal into smaller goals and set yourself time-based checkpoints. This is your game plan. It will involve figuring out what actions you must take to meet your goal.

One of the reasons new year’s resolutions don’t stick is because one big goal is much harder to achieve than a series of smaller goals e.g. become a business manager vs. enrol in a business management course, complete your assignments, then apply for 5 jobs.

6. Consider what your success criteria are

Your goals must be measurable to track your progress. This helps you stay committed and motivated. Measuring your goal could come in the form of tracking study hours, exam grades, feedback from job interviews, or kilometres you run while training for a marathon.

7. Keep it to yourself

Research suggests that the more you talk about your goals, the less likely you are to achieve them. Many of our goals are attached to our identity, so premature praise triggers a similar sense of satisfaction to achieving them. Reward yourself for making progress instead.

But why now?

Skill requirements for jobs are shifting due to technology, interest rates are affecting employment, and cost of living is impacting lifestyle choices and finances. Now more than ever is the perfect time to reassess your goals, recommit to existing ones, and prioritise planning for the future.

With mid-year intake taking place for universities around Australia, doors are wide open to kick-start your journey toward that high-paying dream job, a promotion you’ve had your eye on, or a new skill you keep putting off learning.

Breathe new life into your job, studies, hobbies and financial goals with a short course from Academy Xi, or single subjects from leading universities.

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