STUDENT VERSION OF 'NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS': 5 SMALL CHANGES, BIG RESULTS

Personally, I don't really remember the last time I sat down to think or write my New Year’s resolutions. It may be that the last time was in my primary school days. I remember I made the decision when I made a New Year's resolution the previous 3 years, and ended up not following it up for the first 3 weeks at each trial. I then decided it was a waste of time and I wasn't going to try it again because it doesn't work at all. In fact, last year, when others were celebrating the entry into the new year, 2025, I didn't feel any excitement at all. I mean, “what is there to be excited about?”, “we just entered into another day like every other normal day.” “The moon didn't turn red, nor did anything spectacular happen.” 

Last year, nonetheless, was a very bumpy ride, being my first year in the university, and I must say that at the end of everything, it's always good to have a vision or goal in sight and a plan to actualize that vision if you really want to see your progress and not always feel overwhelmed by situations. 

In case you don't know what a New Year's Resolution is about, A New Year’s resolution is a personal commitment or goal that you set at the beginning of a new year, usually aimed at improving some aspect of your life that you weren't pleased with how it went the previous year. These aspects of your life could be academics, personal life, financial life, or emotional life. It’s a way of starting the year with fresh intentions and a clear focus on growth. For you as a student, it might mean aiming for better grades, building healthier habits, or learning a new skill. The key is to set goals that are realistic, specific, and motivating enough to stick with throughout the year.

New Year's Resolutions for you don’t always need to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s the small shifts here and there that make all the difference. As a student, you just need to tweak your daily habits in a way that compounds into growth.

Let’s highlight about 5 simple changes you can make this year that could change your entire 2026.

You don't need to start being fearful or anxious about whether you'll successfully follow through after 2 weeks. Just take a start first!

1. Wake Up 30 Minutes Earlier

A small time shift in your morning gives you room to breathe, plan your day, revise, pray, or even read. It sets the tone for you to be intentional about every other day's activities.

2. Start Using a Weekly Planner

You can't afford to start this year haphazardly. You also don’t have to fill out an entire calendar. Just jot your top goals for the week and deadlines for each of them. This helps you stay focused and reduces last-minute panic.

3. Swap 30 Minutes of Scrolling for Content That Builds You

Feed your mind daily with content that aligns with where you’re going. If you don't know where you are going, that'd be a talk for another day, but you can start with TEDx Talks.

You can find those useful things on YouTube, podcasts, digital courses, and even on useful Instagram pages. 

4. Talk to One Smart Person Weekly

Don’t underestimate how conversations can sharpen you. Ask questions. Learn. Network.

5. Review Your Week Every Sunday

Create a suitable time on Sunday for honest reflection and review of your week. “What went well?” “What didn’t?”, “What’s the plan for next week?” This one habit of reflection alone can transform your growth curve.

New Year, same you but sharper, more aware, more intentional. You don’t need a perfect plan; just start small and stay consistent. This year is yours. Own it.

It's very advisable that you have a read of ATOMIC HABITS by JAMES CLEAR as a book to start the year. It'd help you get rid of that bad habit you're struggling with and pick up a new one for good.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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