Close your eyes and take a deep breath with this thought: “I made it through the first semester. I am really proud of myself for all my hard work, yet there are some things that I could do better. I will move into the next semester with no regrets, and I will carry with me all the experiences I have learned from the past.”

With that in mind, I am here to help you set-up new academic goals for the semester.

There are three types of goals: Cheetah, Slow Cook, and Aeolian.

1. “Cheetah goal.” As you may know about the cheetah in nature, they run really fast and can accurately catch their prey. Similarly, these goals need to be done immediately and with high accuracy. One example is homework. You must not let it sit there for 3 to 5 days because your memory will fade along with your will to do it. In the end, you will have to start all over again by re-reading the book or listening to your lecture video. A cheetah goal to do your homework right away will help you save your time and your energy.
2. “Slow cook goal.” Have you ever tried crockpot Mexican casserole? The dish is super delicious but it takes six hours to cook. Slow cook goals are not a sprint, they are a marathon in which discipline and stability are key. Take midterms for example. I do not guarantee that if you study 12 hours the day before for an exam you will get a good grade. However, if you study for 3 hours a day for a week, you’ll have studied twice as long and the results will likely change. In addition, because you didn’t stay up all night cramming the night before your test, you will be well rested and fresh for your exam.
3. “Aeolian processes.” Pronounced ee-ow-lee-uhn, this is the process of wind redefining the shape of a surface. This process can take up to decades, but once it is completed the results are a beautiful landscape. I do not have a playful, catchy nickname for this last goal type, but I can give you a very important note: be mindful of your health. Your body can not function with 100 percent energy if you keep eating junk food or staying up late and not getting enough sleep. Building a healthy body helps you to achieve the previous goal.

In the end, you must not push yourself. If you are not drinking enough water or getting enough sleep, or if you’re living off junk food and not exercising, your health can take a serious toll. Yes, it is important to set and categorize your goals, but your number one priority should be your health!