Seniors—Give Yourself a Present for 2008

If you are like most college seniors, this can be a very stressful time. You're most likely sending off college applications, waiting to hear if someone far away thinks you are good enough to come join them. And you've got grades to worry about.

Not to mention all those New Year's resolutions and promises for the coming year.

Here is a little something that might help relieve some of that stress—give yourself a present. That's right a present just for you. You can do it right now, and it won't cost you one penny. Honest. And it might just well be a present that you like quite a bit, especially during the stress of the college search.

And the present is?—answer this question: What did you accomplish in 2007?

Simple enough, what good stuff did you get done in the 365 days of the year 2007?

Grab writing stuff and start scribbling down all of the things, small or large, that you did that were cool, fun, helpful, or insightful this past year.

Did you help around the house? Take out the trash, feed the pet(s), wash a car? Write it down.

And school, did you do well there? Improve your grades, help a fellow student, stay awake in the world's most boring class? Write it down.

How about rowing? Win a race, make a boat, improve your skills, be nice to a coxswain/rower/sculler? Put it/them on the paper.

Two things. First, it doesn't matter how small the action or achievement was—if you accomplished something, down it goes. Second, don't be shy, and certainly don't edit. This is your list—your eyes only, okay to brag.

When you're done, look it over. Accomplishments, even a few small things are something to take pride in, and build on for next year.

And if you don't have much on your list? A new year is coming!

Image: My Office Online