Every January, we all decide our new year’s resolutions and they look different for everybody. Whether that be pick up a new hobby, learn an instrument or get a new PB in that sport. For students these resolutions or goals are often centred around school results.
‘Improve my grades in science’
‘Study better’
‘Focus on important exams’

But by February? Most of those resolutions disappear.
Not because students are lazy, but because most resolutions are vague, unrealistic, or based on motivation instead of habits.

Below are a list of goals/resolutions that you can apply easily and are actually effective.

1. Ask One Question Every Lesson
You don’t need to ask ten. Just one.
Asking questions shows engagement in sessions and clarification can be the difference between understanding a concept fully or not.
One question per lesson:
* Shows engagement
* Fixes misunderstandings early
* Builds confidence
Smart students aren’t the ones who know everything. They’re the ones who aren’t afraid to not know.

2. Review Your Notes Within 24 Hours
Reviewing your notes that day means that you are aware of any potential gaps in your learning or things that you missed in the lesson. This also ensures that we aren’t stuck cramming later on and having to revise basic concepts the day before an assessment.
Studying isn’t about intensity. It’s about timing.

3. Stop Saying “I’m Just Bad at ___”
“I’m just bad at maths.”
“I have never been good at English.”
“I will never understand this.”
The brain listens to what you repeatedly tell it.
Instead try to change the mindset to :
“I don’t understand this yet..”
“I could improve on this area”
“I need a bit of help but I am excited to learn…”
Mindset matters

4. Use a Planner Properly
High-performing students don’t rely on memory. They rely on systems.
Write down:
* Homework
* Assessment dates
* Study blocks
* Revision goals
Planning reduces anxiety because your brain doesn’t have to constantly remember everything. It frees up mental energy for actually learning.
Organisation is a skill that will benefit you well into your adult life.

An academic glow up isn’t about becoming a different person overnight.
It’s about consistent behaviours repeated over months.
The students who improve the most aren’t the ones who suddenly become geniuses.

Natasya Ross