With the new year coming around the corner, OHS students are studying for finals, teachers are grading and time is flying, but many are also making new goals in hopes to better themselves.

“I want to make it past districts on track for any of my events,” Paul Curran (11) said.

With spring coming up there are many athletes who are preparing for their upcoming seasons, but with winter sports in full swing, some athletes are setting goals for the current season.

“I would like to improve my health and work out more … and I would like to get better at snowboarding,” Jackson Oettle (11) said.

For some, sports are what stand out the most when bettering oneself. For others, though, people want to prioritize academics.

“To study more and get my grade up in AP Physics,” Ian Sokolich (11) said.

Students have their ideas, but getting there might not be so easy. In order to achieve these, they are taking the necessary steps.

“I will get a gym membership so I can work out with my boys, and then I will probably go snowboarding a lot more. I got the epic pass for Hidden Valley, so I will go every week,” Oettle said.

Current goals are important to many, no matter their age, and are also something to look forward to, but when we take a step back, past achievements can be just as important and help us learn what to do better.

“A lot of mine (past goals) have been centered around working out and waking up on time or going to bed on time, as well as doing better with hygiene … They have been pretty successful,” Oettle said.

For some, making goals and achieving them come with ease, but sometimes, finding a way to better yourself isn’t always that way. Celebrating small wins and giving yourself reasonable expectations can help when staying consistent.

“I haven’t really had many [former resolutions] in the past, just trying to get better,” Curran said.

Creating a plan is a step in the right direction. There are many things to consider when trying to achieve a goal, but it’s also important to avoid things that will set you back. Sticking with a plan can be hard, but it’s possible with the right mindset.

“Keep out distractions …” Curran said “and stay focused.”