As 2025 began, you have the chance to set exciting goals for yourself. Whether you want to excel in academics, improve in sports, explore science research, or finally master that instrument, this is your time.
Resolutions can feel overwhelming, especially when school gets busy or motivation fades. The good news is that with the right approach, you can stick to your goals and achieve more than you thought possible.
Why Resolutions Fail
We have all experienced it. You set a resolution like “study harder” or “get better at basketball,” only to give up a few weeks later. Resolutions fail when they are vague or unrealistic, leaving you without a clear direction.
Success comes from turning resolutions into specific, actionable goals supported by habits.
Setting Goals That Work
The key to achieving your resolutions is to make them clear, measurable, and realistic. Use S.M.A.R.T. goals to guide you.
- Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve.
- Measurable: Track your progress with numbers or milestones.
- Achievable: Make sure your goal is realistic for your current abilities.
- Results-focused: Focus on what you want to accomplish.
- Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to stay on track.
Here are some examples for Sagradians:
- Academics: Replace “study more” with “spend 30 minutes reviewing notes and complete five practice questions every weekday until the exam.”
- Writing: Instead of “write more,” aim for “submit a feature article and win gold at the Division Press Conference by practicing 500 words every weekend and seeking feedback from teachers.”
- Sports: Instead of “get better at basketball,” try “increase my free throw accuracy to 80 percent by practicing 50 shots every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school and qualify for the Central Luzon Regional Athletics Meet.”
- Capstone Research: Change “finish my project” to “complete a draft of my capstone research by dedicating two hours each Saturday to experiments and analysis.”
- Music: Turn “learn guitar” into “perfect my piece for the Paskuhan sa Sagrada by practicing chord transitions and timing for 15 minutes daily before bed.”
Building Habits That Last
Resolutions are not achieved in one day. They are built through consistent habits that fit into your daily life.
- For studying: Create a distraction-free study space and schedule regular sessions at the same time each day.
- For sports: Track your progress, like recording the number of shots made or your fastest run.
- For science research: Break your project into smaller tasks, such as gathering data one week and analyzing it the next.
Starting small and staying consistent makes goals more manageable and achievable.
Overcoming Setbacks
It is normal to face challenges along the way. Maybe you miss a study session, skip a practice, or feel stuck on a project. What matters is how you respond.
If you miss a day, do not give up. Reflect on what went wrong and adjust your plan. For example, if you were too tired to study after school, try switching to a morning session. If practice feels repetitive, make it more engaging by setting small challenges for yourself.
Remember, progress is not about being perfect. It is about showing up and learning from mistakes.
You do not have to wait for the perfect moment to begin. The best time to start working on your goals is now. Small steps each day will lead to big accomplishments over time.
Let’s Hear It, Sagradans!
What are your goals for 2025? Write them down and share them with friends or family to stay motivated. Encourage each other and celebrate your progress along the way.
This year is yours to make a difference.
Stay committed, work hard, and achieve the success you deserve. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!