By Stefanie Herta (MA. Psychologie, DEGIS Marketing & Community Manager)

So… the new year is here! How do you feel?

Being an international student can often feel like life is a whirlwind of new experiences, responsibilities, and cultural surprises. With all that happening, it’s quite easy to lose track of personal goals, or to set lofty resolutions that slip away by February! Therefore, now is the best time to share with you some gentle, tried-and-tested strategies on how we can set meaningful goals and develop daily habits that truly endure, helping us create a brighter and more balanced 2025!

Reflect on the Past Year

Just like checking your progress at the end of a semester, taking a moment to reflect on the previous year can work wonders for clarity and motivation:

• Celebrate Wins: Perhaps you passed a challenging German exam or landed a part-time job amid a busy schedule, it’s time to recognize your hard work!
• Identify Challenges: Were language barriers or homesickness more overwhelming than expected? Pinpointing and becoming aware of these stressors is a powerful way to address them.
• Gather Insights: Consider what could be improved. Could you manage your time differently or reach out for help sooner? These insights also pave the way for healthier, more realistic goals.

Craft SMART Goals

When you’re juggling lectures, part-time work, and maybe even language classes, vague goals like “I’ll do better this year” might not be enough. Instead, aim for SMART goals:

1. Specific: Pinpoint what you want to achieve. “Attend one networking event per month” is more tangible than “network more.”
2. Measurable: Keep track of your progress. If improving your German is a priority, aim for “completing one chapter of a German coursebook per week.”
3. Achievable: Ensure your goal fits your current reality. Taking on too much at once can lead to exhaustion, so balance is key!
4. Relevant: Align each goal with your true priorities, whether they’re academic, career-focused, or related to personal well-being.
5. Time-Bound: Give yourself a deadline or timeframe. Finishing a particular project before the next semester begins can offer the structure you need.

Breaking objectives down in this way helps make them feel less daunting and more within reach.

Break Big Dreams into Tiny Steps

Sometimes, goals can seem as daunting as mastering German grammar (I’ve been there!). One helpful approach is to divide them into manageable chunks:

• Sub-Goals: If your main focus is to publish a research paper, start by committing to a daily or weekly word count—like 200 words a day.
• Celebrate Mini-Milestones: Congratulate yourself when you complete the literature review or perfect your first draft. These small successes fuel your motivation.
• Prioritize Tasks: Each week, choose the top 2–3 tasks you must accomplish. This keeps you on track even when life is hectic.

Build Habits That Stick

Reaching your goals often comes down to creating small, consistent habits. Here’s how to develop routines that work seamlessly with your lifestyle:

1. Start Small: Try adding a 10-minute study session to your evening routine instead of forcing a two-hour block out of the blue.
2. Use Habit Stacking: Already cook dinner regularly? Organize your desk or create tomorrow’s to-do list while your meal simmers.
3. Create an Environment for Success: Keep textbooks and notes in an orderly, well-lit space. Simplify your “digital space” by minimizing distracting notifications.
4. Set Reminders: Use alarms, sticky notes, or apps to help you stay consistent—especially during busy exam periods.
5. Find Accountability: Partner up with a study buddy or join an online community for mutual encouragement.

Overcome Hurdles & Stay Motivated

As an international student, you might face extra challenges: visa appointments, cultural differences, or simply missing home. Here’s how to navigate those obstacles:

• Plan for Setbacks: Life rarely follows a perfect script. If you miss a study session or fall behind on a project, schedule a time to catch up when you can.
• Stay Flexible: Perhaps you discover your internship clashes with your class schedule. Adjust your plans as needed without abandoning your overarching goals.
• Revisit Your ‘Why’: If you’re feeling discouraged, remember why you chose this path—maybe it’s earning a global degree, gaining international exposure, or pursuing a dream career.
• Reward Yourself: Small gestures go a long way. Treat yourself to a favorite dessert or plan a relaxing weekend activity when you reach a milestone.

Track & Adapt

Just like in academics, regular check-ins help you stay on course:

• Use a Journal or App: Make notes of your daily or weekly progress. This way, you can spot patterns and adjust where necessary.
• Set Regular Check-Ins: Every month or quarter, reflect on what’s working and whether you need to refine your approach.
• Visualize Success: A vision board or a simple mental image of your future self—graduating with honors or landing your ideal job—can be remarkably motivating.

Progress Over Perfection

Finally, it’s important to remember that growth is a journey, not a final destination:

• Practice Self-Compassion: Feeling overwhelmed is perfectly normal. You’re juggling a lot—treat yourself kindly.
• Learn & Adapt: Each challenge, from dealing with bureaucracy to managing cultural differences, builds resilience and enhances your story.

Concluding Thoughts

A new year brings fresh possibilities that become tangible when we set precise, achievable goals and strengthen them with supportive daily habits. Each small achievement moves us forward, so let’s celebrate our progress and keep striving for the life we envision!

Are you ready to connect with a supportive community and access helpful resources?

Become a free community member with DEGIS! You’ll find guidance, events, and a network of fellow international students who understand your journey.