Holly Denig, Period 8, 2/28/22

Goal setting

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

Right now, my specific goals include creating a consistent and balanced schedule, between personal life, schoolwork, work and staying physically and mentally healthy. In the fall I expect to be enrolled at Florida State University, and I need to start preparing to live in a dorm and take more responsibility for myself. I already feel that I’m fairly self sufficient and independent and can maintain balance, but I falter at times and it is difficult to bounce back and regain my focus. I spent time over the break reading a book I recently purchased about methods and strategies to maintain balance in all areas of my life, gain self confidence, and improve current relationships.(These can include relationships with others, myself, eating and exercising and other habits) Another one of my goals was to read more, and I wanted to start with a book that could help me form positive habits. I also want to make sure I stay dedicated to school in this last semester, because even though the grades I receive now will impact my life as much as previous years, I want to end the school year on a positive note. In this final stretch of the year one of my goals is to study more and figure out the best time management for me. 

I demonstrate resilience in achieving these goals by restarting everyday on a positive note. One tool that has helped me with this has been gratitude journaling, in which I spend time each morning journaling things to be grateful for and optimistic about. This helps me to put anything that upset me the previous day behind me, and come back from setbacks. For example, if I do poorly on an assignment, have a fight with an important person in my life, or make a lot of mistakes during a busy time at work, waking up the next day and being able to appreciate the positive things allows me to clear my head and release my focus on something dragging me down. Although this didn’t really apply much over the school break, I have been trying to form a schedule that allows me to fit all parts of my life into each day, but I have also been working on having patience with myself. My goals include being consistent everyday, but in the past I’ve struggled with beating myself up over an imperfect day. Although I strive to keep a routine and stick to it, I’ve realized that it is important to allow myself forgiveness when my day does not go according to plan, and not everyday has to be identical. If I miss a workout, or end up staying up later to finish homework that slipped my mind, or took me longer than expected to finish, it is not the end of the world or worth becoming upset over. Allowing myself this forgiveness has helped me to regain motivation the next day and get back on track. I have also found that this year, my time management has improved greatly, and when I’m managing my time well I tend to be less stressed out. 

At this time in my life I’m watching my friends become more independent and passionate about their futures, as we all try to make difficult decisions about the next chapters of our lives, however I’m also watching my parents and family become more nervous and worried. My family is immensely proud of me, but also concerned about how I will do away at school, as many parents are. My parents' concern serves as a reminder that taking care of myself needs to be the priority, over anything else, especially when I will be responsible for myself next year. My mom has taught me a lot about independence, but I think I will always still be learning from her, even after I am an adult myself. What I’ve learned and observed from my mom has shown me that independence is not being able to do whatever you want, rather making decisions that best serve you and your well being, and keep you balanced, and on the track that you want to stay on.