It’s time for a reset. The middle of the year has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One minute, you’re shouting, New Year, New Me! And the next, you’re six months deep, wondering how time flew by.
Maybe you started the year with big plans: apply to universities, change jobs, learn new skills, or finally take your dream of studying abroad seriously. But between juggling school, work, or life in general, some of those goals might have lost their momentum.
Now, June isn’t just the halfway mark. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reset. Unlike January, mid-year resets don’t come with pressure or perfectionism. Just a quiet reminder that you can still finish the year strong, with intentional choices and clear direction.
Why a Mid-Year Reset Matters
Taking stock of your progress mid-year isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a powerful strategy for success. Think of your goals as a GPS route. When you’ve taken a few wrong turns or hit unexpected detours, the GPS doesn’t yell at you; it recalculates. A mid-year reset does the same. It helps you:
• Adjust your path with current realities in mind
• Make the most of the remaining six months
Whether you’re navigating university applications, switching careers, or preparing for life abroad, here are five actionable ways to refocus and get great results.
1. Revisit and Refine Your Original Goals
Start by asking, are my current goals still aligned with what I want? It’s easy to stick to a plan just because you made it in January, but life changes, and so can your goals. Some may no longer fit, while others need tweaking. That’s growth, not failure. Take some time to:
• List the goals you set earlier in the year
• Identify what you’ve achieved, what’s in progress, and what’s been neglected
From there, refine your list into realistic priorities for the rest of the year.
2. Finalize Your Degree Applications (If You Haven’t Yet)
If studying abroad or starting a new academic program was part of your plan, the clock is ticking. Many universities across the UK, Canada, Australia, and Ireland are still accepting international student applications for 2025 intakes. This is the time to:
• Shortlist your target schools
• Review program deadlines
• Collect your transcripts, personal statements, and recommendation letters
• Prepare for English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo
Even if you’ve missed some early deadlines, many schools offer rolling admissions or late application windows. Don’t assume it’s too late; double-check and do the needful.
3. Build a Practical Study Plan That Works
Whether you’re preparing for entrance exams, writing final-year exams, or preparing for exams like the GRE or GMAT, you need a practical study plan. Consider this:
• Breaking your syllabus into weekly tasks
• Set mini-goals, like completing 3 practice essays a week or mastering one topic per day
• Tracking progress using Google Calendar or a simple planner.
Remember, you don’t need a perfect plan, but a practical one.
4. Update and Tailor Your CV for New Opportunities
If you’re looking for internships, part-time roles, remote jobs, or graduate jobs, your CV is often your first impression, and your CV might need a makeover like:
• Adding new experiences, certifications, or achievements
• Tailoring your CV to the specific industry or job you’re targeting
• Using keywords from the job posting (especially for online applications)
• Keeping the format clean, modern, and ATS-friendly
5. Create a Month-by-Month Plan for the Rest of the Year
It’s easy to say, “I’ll get to it later,” but without a real plan, “later” becomes never. Break the next six months into two quarters: Q3: July–September, Q4: October–December.
Now, map your big goals to smaller monthly tasks. Use reminders, calendars, or productivity apps to stay on track. And always give yourself room to adapt when life throws curveballs.
