Being proactive is one of the most important things you can do. Making positive changes for yourself is one of the best ways to stay sane. Instead of doing the bare minimum of studying for a test, or writing a report, go above and beyond the expectations. It will be more work, no doubt, but it will give you a much better sense of accomplishment in the end and you’ll be proud of yourself for doing more than what’s required of you. Not only that, your professors or employers will notice, and that can only do good things for your career.

Make Goals

Think about your goals for the year and what you want to accomplish. Is it that promotion you’ve always wanted to work towards, or is it the scholarship you’ve been aiming for? Flesh out the steps you have to take in order to reach these goals and then, well, go for it! One of the best times to start moving toward a goal seems to be during a period of change or a transition period. This is because you are already prepared for a change of pace in your life, work-wise or school-wise, so you’re more ready to take charge and spearhead your new initiative.

Keep a List

Keep a list of fun things you want to do or accomplish over the year. Keep it completely fun and for the sake of your own enjoyment. If you have always wanted to skydive, take a weekend and do that. It’ll keep you sane and not too inundated with work. Consider the list as giving yourself little rewards at the end of a stressful work or school week. So, write a list, put it on the fridge, then add to it or cross out the items as you finish. You’ll have a different sense of accomplishment once you finish everything on that list; it’ll be just as rewarding as reaching work and school goals, but more fun in the process!

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mind over matter

The most important thing is to live by the saying of “mind over matter.” If you think positively, you’ll more likely act more positively about change. This goes specifically for the transition from summer to fall, regardless of whether you are returning to the office or to the classroom.