As a high school junior with a weekend to spare, I am fully aware of the possibilities in which I could be indulging. Momentarily relieved from the black onus of finals, homework, and various social obligations, I am free to frolic, cavort, and caper to a reasonable degree (it is junior year, after all, and the horizon teems with leaden clouds).
parties? picnics? photography? a facebook binge? ... a rave?
Appealing pursuits indeed, but what have I been doing in my spare moments? SAT class and practice exams. Something certainly appears to be askew. After all, preparing for the SAT exam (January 24--just a week left!) does seem to lack the 'fun' factor so desperately craved by many. Hours spent in a stuffy hotel room, enshrouded in the almost visible stupor of ennui of 16 high school students, do not necessarily bring about an alacrity to assimilate information.
(And it is true that despite most valiant efforts on my part, the paper-thin practice tests have yet to be labeled satisfactorily with a color--ecru with a gray pallor is the closest I have come. Additionally, something truly must be done about the surfeit of candy the instructors use to stimulate our attention...)
However, SAT class is quickly becoming my love. I deeply appreciate the opportunity--that my parents are able, and willing, to pay to give me information to do well on an exam--information that I perhaps could glean for free from an old prep book in the library. But it extends past this.
I feel empowered. I know I am doing as much as possible to ensure success on the SAT. I head to each class and approach each practice exam with a sense of purpose. My score will be directly influenced by how hard I work now, and that is unambiguous. I am not letting any 'unforeseen circumstances' alter my performance; I am committed and steadfast and unrelenting.
Admittedly, the SAT is just a standardized test that in all probability does not come close to measuring the intelligence, or scholastic aptitude, of the taker. Claims that it lacks socioeconomic equality probably have some basis in fact. However--this feeling of confidence and preparation is one that is universal, legitimate, and is something that I will strive to achieve more often.
So, yes, I have been missing out, but I have gained so much more.
Happy 2009! With a new year come fresh opportunities and energized resolve. However, an unsettling convention seems to have developed from the once-optimistic creation of new years resolutions. From the well-intentioned but doomed 'to change my life for the better!' emerges a darker shadow of doubt, desperation, and impotency.
Indeed, upon trawling the vast infinitude of blogosphere, I have found several heartbreaking examples:
- "It's tragic though, because I know deep down (as much as I deny it) that I won't follow most of these resolutions anyhow" one doleful blogger admits.
- "10 New Years Resolutions I Know I'm Not Going to Keep" adorned another's list.
Why is it that resolutions are so simple to set, yet far easier to shatter? The truth is that disillusionment is entirely preventable. Here are a few guidelines:
1. Articulate definitive and organized objectives.
- If you don't know what you want, you're never going to get it.
- Establish your reason for going after the goal.
- Try grouping your resolutions in categories (Health and Fitness, Relationships, Work)
2. Details, details, details.
- Identify what has prevented your success previously and find ways to overcome such obstacles.
- Under each main resolution, specify how you are going to strive to accomplish it.
- The more specific you are, the less room you have for error.
- Remind yourself of your resolutions often.
- Make several copies of your list and post them where you will notice them.
- Enlist supportive friends and family to remind you of your goals.
4. Set periodic goals.
- Rather than wait until December 31st to consolidate your progress, hold monthly (or bimonthly evaluations.
- Set mini-goals that add up to a larger achievement.
- The main idea to keep goals burning freshly in your mind.
5. Prepare for failure.
- Slip-ups are inevitable, but they don't signify defeat.
- Analyze what went wrong and rectify your mistakes.
- Never lose faith.
6. Don't be afraid to dream big.
- As long as a goal has been carefully identified, specified, and formulated, there is no justification in sticking with stunted, stodgy hopes.
I fully intend to achieve my goals--because I have set myself up for success. So here's to a healthy, empowered year.
Sample Resolutions: notice the detail.
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