2021 is here, but if the ushering in of the new year felt slightly different to you this year, you aren't alone. For many, the start of a new year is a time where long-term goals become more of a focus than our normal lives usually allow. Tied into the tradition of New Years Resolutions, this time of year has us thinking of how we can better ourselves and how we can have a better year (particularly after a year such as 2020). Usually, resolutions are habits tied into long-term goals (exercise more, eat healthier, drink less), however living in the midst of a pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to see what the future holds post-pandemic. As the future is much less predictable, it may be a better time to focus on more short term goals, even if it's for no other reason other than making this year feel different to the last.

For many around the world, the next few months of the pandemic are set to be the hardest yet. So even if some of your goals you only keep for a few months, they will no doubt help you post-pandemic as well.

Here's 5 examples of short-term, achievable goals to get your year off to a good start.

Create and keep a clean space to study or work.

Online study and working from home could be here to stay. If you have had a temporary set up previously or if you have had to work in a shared study space, now might be the time to think about how you can carve out a new workspace for yourself. Otherwise, have a look at your current workspace, can it be cleaned up? A small purchase of drawers for those important files or a better way to store your stationery might be all you need to freshen up the space. Use a small portable container or backpack to pack up and store everything you need if you are taking study materials back and forth.

Get your money sorted

2021 is a good time to take control of your finances, with less places to go and less people to see. However, paying bills in another country will still remain a challenge. Exchange rates are fluctuating all the time and bank fees from transferring funds internationally can add up. Prices may be different to what you’re used to, with the world in the midst of a pandemic. Researching the most cost-efficient way to make money transfers will ensure you get the most out of your funds. Cohort Go provides you a way to transfer money internationally with much more competitive exchange rates and no fees. Whether you’re looking to pay insurance expenses, tuition bills or living expenses, we’ve got you covered.

Gain a part-time job

There's never been a better time to earn your own money, and eliminate some financial stress. Most countries allow international students to work part-time while studying, and during the pandemic, some laws were changed to allow international students to work even more hours in specific industries (ie. healthcare). It is true that a lot of industries are struggling, but many are booming. Now might be the time to look into being a cashier and one of the big supermarkets or a healthcare worker, helping the countries most vulnerable.

Be sure to check the tax requirements of the country you are in. For example, in Australia, you’ll need a Tax File Number before you start work. Your university may also have a careers office that can help you with your job search. 

Make time for fun

Let's not pretend 2021 is going to be all sunshine and roses. There's vaccines on the horizon and maybe change is coming but we're still not out of the woods. So as much as you can be focused on personal growth and resilience, it is important to focus on things that make you laugh and smile too. Maybe it's taking up a new hobby or finding some time to be in nature.

Spend less time on social media

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, particularly those who are overseas and we haven't seen for a long time. However, if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling when you should be doing other things, or while you are walking around outside, it might be time to take a break. Put down your phone and take in the sights and sounds of the world around you. Face-to-face connection is so important at the moment with people feeling more isolated than ever before. Even if it is just a friendly smile at your local barista, make the effort to make more in-person connections and you may notice a big change in your mood and overall well-being.

If you can't resist making a long term goal, try reviewing what you have learned during the pandemic. What things do you want to keep from the changes you made during the pandemic? What do you want to bring back from before the pandemic? Often it is during hard times that we learn the most. Draw on what you have learned from 2020 to get your year off to a great start.