New Year’s is traditionally a time for reviewing the successes and lessons of the year gone by, as well as setting goals and hopes for the next 12 months. We asked students from Daystar to reflect on 2013 and share their resolutions with us. Recent research from the University of Scranton shows that while 45 percent of us make resolutions every year, only 8 percent actually achieve them. With that in mind, we also include some tips for making and keeping effective resolutions. Whatever you dream of achieving, we wish you and yours the very best in 2014.
Junzhi Lin, 13, China
What I loved most about 2013 were the fireworks at Sky Tower on New Year’s Day. I want to learn friendliness in 2014.
Hope Orange, 11, US
My greatest challenge last year was moving to China. In 2014 I want to learn to speak Chinese and learn piano.
Maya Mischke, 11, US
I loved having fun with my friends and making more of them in 2013. In 2014 I want to try my very best at studying.
Ethan Wen, 11, US/China
I was most proud of being one of the best basketball players in Daystar last year. My goal for the future is to enter the National Basketball Association.
Bonny Quan, 11, China
I was most proud of my horse riding in 2013. My biggest personal goal for 2014 is to win a prize for horseback riding.
Alvin Zou, 11, US
My biggest challenge in 2013 was skiing. My greatest hope for my family and friends in 2014 is that they have happy lives.
Tenzin Low, 11, Canada
In 2013 I learned that doing nothing can be the solution to lots of problems. I want to get better at interacting with people in 2014.
Sheldon Liang, 11, US/China
I loved that in 2013 everybody found out that the 2012 apocalypse was false. In 2014 I want to learn quadratic and cubic algebra and trigonometry.
Bryan Tan, 11, China/Australia
I learned to tell a coral snake from a milk snake in 2013. In 2014 I want to learn science!
Geoffrey Duan, 10, US/China
My favorite memory last year was getting a turtle. In 2014 I want to learn more about animals.
Sam Simoni, 11, China/Italy
My favorite memory of 2013 was learning chemistry. In 2014 I want to learn science.
Merritt Zhang, 11, US/China
The biggest lesson I learned last year was that patience is a virtue. In 2014 I want to learn violin.
Ting Ting Wang, 11, China
My favorite memory of 2013 was my first day at school. I want to try my very best at learning next year.
Ashleigh Churn, 12, China/Australiaalia
I loved being around my best friends and having fun last year. In 2014 I hope I can keep in touch with my friends after I move.
Annika Tanner, 11, US/China
I loved being with my friends most in 2013. My wish in 2014 is that we could save the environment and stop war.
Lily Mary Farid, 11, US/Iran
I loved making friends in 2013. My biggest personal goal for 2014 is to be a singer.
William Fosh, 11, UK/China
I felt happy in 2013 every time I completed my novel study. In 2014 I want to learn more vocabulary.
Hetch the class hedgehog, 3, China
My happiest memory of 2013 was being rescued by Mr. Brown and his daughter. My wish for 2014 is lots and lots of canned cat food.
Sissi Guan, 11, China
My favorite memory of 2013 was studying science.
For 2014, I want to try my very best at everything.
Kiki Nguyen, 11, Vietnam
My favorite memory of 2013 is having my birthday party with friends. My biggest goal for 2014 is to be happy.
How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions
Small Steps Coaching Founder and Executive Wellness Coach Dalida Turkovic provides some simple tips on getting New Year’s resolutions off the ground and preventing them from slipping off the radar:
1. Get SMART
“Goals should not only be realistic but S.M.A.R.T. so that we can track the progress and be accountable for every step of the process,” Turkovic says. “S.M.A.R.T. stands for: Smart, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Time-bound. Without these elements goals are more like dreams.” Setting concrete goals can make all the difference over the course of the year.
2. The Power of One
“If you feel like you have struggled with resolutions in the past then choose a realistic and achievable one,” says Turkovic. “Choose something fun and inspiring so you can break the ‘not-sticking-to-my-resolutions’ cycle. If you already know that following up on the resolutions will not be a problem [for you]then go ahead with a few – you already know what works for you and stretching your boundaries may help.”
3. Baby Steps
Remember, Rome was not built in a day. “It is important to monitor the progress of your goals so you know what is working and what is not. If you realize that your plan didn’t work, then adjust your course. From that perspective, you cannot fully plan every goal but a reference plan can help prepare for potential risks and setbacks.”
4. A Little Help from My Friends
Support from others can be just the motivation you need to stay on track. Enlist the help of friends and family, or find a group or partner committed to the same goal. “Having friends, family, colleague or a coach by your side is certainly helpful,” says Turkovic.
Resources:
www.small-steps-coaching.com
Photos by SUI
This article originally appeared on p36-39 of the beijingkids January 2014 issue. Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
Check out the PDF version online at Issuu.com
