Whether this is your first semester or you are nearing graduation, think about where you are going, not just academically or professionally, but personally. What do you want your life to look like five or ten years from now, and what kind of person do you want to become?

Start by creating a clear vision for your life. You don’t need every detail figured out, but you should know what matters to you and the direction you want to go.

Next, define your core values. Stephen Covey wrote, “Begin with the end in mind.” What is truly important to you and what do you want for YOUR life? Is it family, education, service, financial security, adventure, or health? Your goals should reflect your values rather than someone else’s expectations.

Then, set short- and long-term goals that move you toward that vision. Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them into smaller steps. A degree is earned one semester at a time. Overall health is achieved one workout or positive choice at a time.

Just as important is identifying what is getting in your way (sometimes, it’s ourselves). We all have distractions and energy drains. These might be habits, how we spend our time, or even relationships and situations that no longer support the person we are trying to become. Growing sometimes requires letting go of something comfortable to make room for something better. Ask yourself, “Is this still working for me and moving me towards the person I want to become or moving me towards my full potential?” If not, a hard decision may be necessary.

Develop a growth mindset, which is the belief that your abilities can develop through effort, learning, and persistence. Instead of saying, “I’m terrible at math,” say, “I haven’t figured this out yet.” That one word, yet, leaves room for growth.

Design your days to support your goals. Make time to exercise, sleep, study, and be present with people who matter. How we spend our days eventually becomes how we spend our lives.

It is also important to surround yourself with people moving in the direction you want to go. As Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Is that average where you want to be?

It is also so important to take risks. Apply for the internship. Join the club. Ask the question. Try something you aren’t already good at. If you are always comfortable, you probably aren’t growing. You never know what opportunity lies on the other side of discomfort.

Finally, reflect often. Ask yourself: Are my choices taking me closer to the life I want? If not, adjust. Don’t expect perfection. Building a life is a process, not a task. You will make mistakes and fall short. We all do. What matters isn’t the failure itself; it’s what you do next.

You don’t have to wait for Monday, next semester, or January 1 to start again. Start today!