New Year’s Resolutions for High School Students

In a few short days, the holidays will be behind us, and we will start looking to 2025. As the clock strikes midnight and the New Year begins, we often think about resolutions. This is a perfect opportunity for high school students to reflect on their goals, dreams, and aspirations. Goal-setting is particularly important as they enter the final stretch of their high school journey—a time filled with excitement, challenges, and opportunities. Crafting meaningful resolutions can help students embrace these transformative years with purpose and direction. Here are some tips for setting goals that will make this your most productive year ever.

1. Get organized.

Clean out your backpack, locker, or bedroom and get rid of things you don’t need. Swap out the kitchen table, couch, or bedroom floor for a distraction-free study place. Use a calendar and/or planning app to record important meetings, due dates, and other activities. Make lists of important tasks and continue to update your list. Oh, and decorate your new space. After all, it is yours!

2. Focus on academics.

Aim to maintain or improve your grades during your last semester. Remember…colleges will request final transcripts and can rescind any offers if your grades suddenly take a turn for the worse. Finishing strong academically can also open doors to scholarships and will prepare you for the rigorous coursework you will no doubt encounter in college.

3. Expand your mind beyond the classroom.

Embrace personal growth by challenging yourself with a new hobby, skill, or area of knowledge. Read about and research areas of interest. Explore experiences that are stimulating. Become more self-reliant by learning simple life skills such as cooking, doing laundry, or changing a flat tire. Remember that there are opportunities to learn something new every day, and many of those opportunities are found outside of the classroom. Challenge yourself by focusing on things that will add depth to your life and help you grow as a person.

4. Work on school-life balance and self-care.

High school is a busy, stressful time. Most students are saddled with schoolwork, activities, scheduled events, and yes…pressure from parents and peers. This can result in brain drain, and lack of sleep among other things. Don’t let things get so out of hand that you lose focus and/or interest in the things that matter most. Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating properly, exercising, and taking time for the things that bring you joy. Downtime is important for your mental well-being, so be sure you are getting enough, while keeping up with your school responsibilities.

5. Break a bad habit.

Are you constantly on your phone? Addicted to social media? Eating too much junk food? Gossiping? Nail biting? There are a host of bad habits, and we all have them. Take time for self-reflection and work on developing healthier habits. Write down your goals, and even share them with someone who can help support you as you try to overcome your bad habit(s).

6. Alleviate procrastination.

As busy as high school students are, procrastinating can be a real problem. It keeps you from reaching your goals and generates unneeded stress. First, identify the cause of your procrastination. Are you easily distracted? By what? Do your best to eliminate distractions at the outset of tasks. Break down tasks into more manageable parts and reward yourself as you cross steps off your to-do list and complete your work.

7. Focus on relationships.

Reach out to old friends and family members who you haven’t communicated with recently. Make new friends and work on strengthening current friendships. Compliment people and offer to help them when needed. Go out of your way to be a better friend or relative by listening to others and considering their feelings. Nurtured well, these relationships will carry you through your lifetime.

8. Contribute to your community.

Use your free time to volunteer and give back. Not only is it rewarding, but also a great addition to college applications. Taking on leadership roles in school clubs or organizations will also help keep you engaged. Even the smallest acts of kindness build character, and colleges are attracted to students who show a heart for helping others.

9. Get a part-time job.

If you have some free time after school or on the weekends, think about applying for a part-time job. Even if you just work a few hours per week, you can earn hands-on experience and learn about the professional world, as well as careers that may interest you.

10. Increase your financial intelligence.

Learning about finances is critical for high school students, who must know how to manage their money when they leave home. Preparing financially by saving money for college or other post-high school expenses is always a good idea. Learning how to create budgets and manage money responsibly is also important, and it can’t hurt to learn about investing and borrowing money for the future.

11. Show gratitude.

Grateful people are happier people. Reflect on your life and all ways that you have been blessed. Thank the people who have helped you thus far in life. A grateful heart—even during trying times—can help you appreciate the little things and focus on your goals. It will increase your compassion and positivity. Some people have found that keeping a gratitude journal helps them focus on gratitude more. Simply listing three things a day that you are thankful for can be very helpful.

12. Cherish the journey.

Whether it’s your last semester in high school or you have a ways to go, take time to reflect on all that you have experienced. Think about some of the things you’d like to do before you graduate, and during the summer. Concentrate on making new memories as you navigate the time you have left before starting college and enjoy each to the fullest!

No matter what you want to work on this year, remember that resolutions can be as small or as big as you like. Setting smaller, more manageable goals may make it easier to see your progress along the way. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to set larger “reach” goals as well. Just make sure that the goals you set are right for you and remember…you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it!

As we welcome another New Year at Moxie College Counseling, we are ready to help students set strong, attainable goals for high school and beyond. Our expert staff works with students during the college admissions journey, developing individualized plans for the greatest success. In the process, we will help you develop skills you can use throughout life. We are always here to help!