Starting the New Year Off Right: 5 Habits That Set Students Up for Success

Andrew here! Below are my recommendation for 5 habits that your student can build into their day to day, week to week to help elevate their performance in school going into 2026.

The start of a new year is a natural reset point for students. New classes, new expectations, and new opportunities make this a great time to build habits that support confidence, consistency, and academic growth. Success in school rarely comes from last-minute effort; it comes from small, repeatable habits built into daily and weekly routines.

Below are five high-leverage habits students can focus on as they head back into school.

1. Weekly Planning (10–15 Minutes Once a Week)

Students who feel overwhelmed often aren’t struggling with ability — they’re struggling with organization and time awareness. A short weekly planning session can dramatically reduce stress.

What this looks like:

• At the start of each week, list upcoming tests, quizzes, assignments, and practices

• Identify which days will be heavier and which will be lighter

• Decide when schoolwork will happen, not just what needs to be done

This habit helps students feel in control of their week instead of reacting to it.

2. Consistent Study Habits (Not Cramming)

Studying is one of the most misunderstood parts of school. Many students equate studying with rereading notes or doing homework, but effective studying looks very different.

Effective study habits include:

• Studying earlier and more often: Short, focused sessions spread across several days are far more effective than cramming the night before.

• Active recall: Close notes and try to explain concepts out loud or write them from memory.

• Practice problems: Especially in math and science, working through problems without notes is essential.

• Error review: Identify mistakes and understand why they happened instead of just correcting them.

• Self-testing: Ask, “Could I explain this to someone else?” If not, more study is needed.

A good rule of thumb: if studying feels easy, it’s probably not effective. Productive studying should feel effortful and thoughtful.

3. Daily Review (10 Minutes a Day)

Small daily reviews prevent gaps from growing into major struggles.

This can include:

• Reviewing notes from that day

• Reworking one or two problems

• Writing down questions to ask the next day

This habit reinforces learning while the material is still fresh and makes long-term studying much easier.

4. Asking for Help Early

Many students wait too long to ask for help, often out of frustration or fear of falling behind. One of the strongest habits a student can build is recognizing confusion early and addressing it.

Encourage students to:

• Ask questions in class

• Visit teachers during help time

• Use tutoring proactively, not just before tests

Struggling silently rarely leads to improvement. Seeking help is a skill, not a weakness.

5. Reflection & Adjustment

Learning improves when students take time to reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.

Once a week, students should ask:

• What went well this week?

• What was challenging?

• What should I adjust next week?

This habit builds self-awareness, independence, and resilience — skills that matter far beyond the classroom.

Final Thought

Strong academic habits don’t require perfection or hours of extra work. They require consistency, reflection, and intentional effort. By focusing on these five habits, students can start the new year feeling more confident, organized, and prepared to succeed.

If your student needs help building these habits or wants support turning effort into results, we’re always happy to help.