I set some goals at the beginning of this academic quarter in January. Here’s how it all went down:
- Stay on top of my reading assignments: While I probably have around 50+ pages of assigned reading a week, I try my best to at least read the abstracts and understand the figures. It’s simply not realistic to read them thoroughly every week.
- Save 75% of my work paychecks for my move: I have done well to do this, sometimes saving 80% into my savings from later paychecks.
- Get academic help as soon as it’s needed: My courses have been pretty straightforward so far, but I’ll keep this in mind as we get closer to finals.
- Use social media less: Some mornings when I don’t have class until the afternoon, I will be lying in bed on my phone for God knows how long, so I’m going to start setting a timer to make sure I don’t get sucked into it on those types of days.
- Don’t nap as often: Aside from this last week with my depression flaring up, I’ve done well to stay productive.
- Stay on top of this blog with three posts a month: I feel like I’ve stayed on top of this blog well, but not as much as I’d like to.
- Read for half an hour everyday: The book I’ve been reading is a bit dry at the moment, but I’ll try to get into the habit again.
- Listen to new music (two albums a week): I’d say I listen to about one new album a week or three albums every two weeks.
- Get into a workout routine that includes running, stretching and weights: I do cardio about four times a week on weeks I don’t work, but other than that, I haven’t been stretching or doing weights as often.
- Volunteer once a month: Academics and paying work has taken priority over volunteering, especially when I have worked every weekend (often all day) these last few months.
- Apply for graduate school programs in the United Kingdom (one a week): I have applied to three universities already and am wrapping up two more this week. I didn’t apply to as much as I originally thought because I would like to be based in Brighton, so any university further than London is not very practical for commuting.
Don’t forget to have FUN!
Reading your article and so proud of your initiative. Received at the same time a note from a Buddhist friend that says “Finding and protecting joy is worth doing. Joy is a reminder you are not defeated in your own mind. YOU do give me joy. With love, Grandma
Sent from my iPad
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I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH ALL YOU DO. GOD BLESS YOU. LOVE, GPA