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Health and Wellness

Wellness Wednesday: Spring into Success

students journaling and setting goals

This spring edition of back-to-school isn’t just a return to classes, it’s an invitation for us to infuse motivation into every academic endeavor. Let’s explore four ways to harness the unique energy of spring to cultivate motivation, fuel growth and set the stage for a successful NC State experience.

Goal Setting

Leverage spring’s energy by setting intentions for the upcoming semester and developing clear, achievable goals. Break down larger objectives into manageable tasks to propel yourself toward success. According to Locke’s goal-setting theory, feedback and commitment are two essential components needed to achieve our goals: 

  • Receiving feedback encourages accountability for our actions and can serve as a progress check for our goals. 
  • Similarly, commitment creates the buy-in to achieve our goals. Goals with high stakes or high rewards may make us more committed to seeing the results. 

Celebrate Achievements and Milestones

Take time to pause and reflect on your journey here at NC State thus far. Acknowledging and celebrating our achievements, big and small, serves as a motivating force, instilling a sense of accomplishment and confidence. As we enter this new semester, the momentum of our past successes can propel us forward to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities that lie ahead.

Wellness and Recreation hosts several programs and events tied to the theme of goal setting and achievement celebration. The first Howl and Chill event of the semester, Go for Goals, offers a space for students to journal and create a vision board depicting aspirations for 2024. If you’re up for a challenge, registration for the Goal Getter Challenge, a five-day challenge to guide you through the process of setting SMART goals, is now open for students, faculty and staff. 

Revamp Your Work Space

Our study or work space should reflect our commitment to excellence. Declutter both your physical and digital environments to foster productivity and organization, and to reduce stress. Consider taking one action step to add life to an area in need, or declutter that spot in your living space that you may have neglected. 

Embrace the Wolfpack Journey

Remember your journey here at NC State is meant to be transformative, not just a destination. Welcome challenges, learn from experiences and savor the unique opportunities each semester presents. Keep in mind this new semester is not simply a return to routine, but an opportunity to bloom into the best versions of ourselves, both academically and personally.

Whether you’re diving into new subjects, exploring opportunities within our community or reimagining study strategies through wellness coaching sessions, spring at NC State is a catalyst for a fresh perspective on our professional and academic pursuits. Let the season’s energy be a driving force for your motivation, growth and success.