Use break to pursue new goals

By Patrick Pastrana

Many students spend their summers relaxing and enjoying their free time while others try to accomplish goals before the fall semester.

In my case, I’m trying my best to keep myself busy. Even if I occasionally slip and get nothing finished for one day, I put more effort into the next day.

I have made quite a few goals to finish by the end of the summer. I want to read a few books, catch up on a few television shows, exercise more often, write a few stories (or one really long story) and meet up with friends who are in different schools.

Students should ask themselves if completing this task will matter in six months. A year might be a stretch, so occasionally I switch it to six months. If students use their summer watching a few television shows, sleeping, partying, and/or looking at blogs on the Internet, will this help their future somehow? It’s a question to always consider.

There are numerous kinds of goals to be achieved this summer. Exercising is good for everybody, whether or not you’re already in shape. Challenging yourself artistically is another fun objective. You could draw something spectacular or paint something beautiful. You could even try your hand at photography or photo editing. If those aren’t your styles of art, building a shelf, a desk or a chair is just as productive. If you don’t know how to cook, the summer is a great time for trial and error.

Although they have a task, unproductive people lack the drive to start or complete a goal. Instead of a goal, maybe they could try a new hobby.

If you are tired of constantly having your eyes glued to a screen, take a break and read a book. If you’re an avid reader, start a new series of books and see if you can go through the entire series by the end of the summer.

Setting a list of summer goals is the easy part. Completing them may be a challenge. But who doesn’t love a challenge? The summer is the best time to take chances. So set some realistic goals and make this a memorable summer.