As the New Year approaches, many contemplate what it is that they should be setting their mind on to complete. Whether it be that holiday assignment on molecules, winning that game of Pac Man against your brother, or changing a trait of your personality that you feel flaws you. It can all be too easy to set high expectations and unachievable goals that will ultimately leave you more frustrated than before. So here's the guide to realistic goal setting. Sarah reports.

Step one: Set realistic goals.
Firstly, you need to set a goal that you are actually keen on achieving, not one that will bore the hell out of you and make you give up half way through, or one that you will work your butt off for, ultimately giving you a lame result.

Scenario: While browsing through that fashion catalogue which you now decree the holy grail of your life, you spot the most breathtaking, most extravagant, most "if I don't buy those right now I will pass out of sheer horror" pumps you have ever seen in your life. You have decided that above all else, (including the purchase of essentials such as shampoo and underwear) buying these $5,000 Chanel metallic pumps take priority and that nothing; no-one and no price will stand in the way of achieving your goal!

You decide that you have one month to buy these shoes and that on your $7.86 per hour wage at Hungry Jacks, you will stop at nothing to save every last penny (even if it means pitching a cardboard sign up outside a bank and pretending to be homeless).

Back to reality: Ok, so maybe in some parallel universe where strands of hair can be substituted for $100 bills, it could be the most reasonable (hell mundane even) situation in the history of mankind. But back here on non-parallel planet earth, it's fairly obvious that it won't actually happen.

Firstly, it isn't mathematically possible to save up $5,000 in one month on a $10 per hour shift worked twice a fortnight. If you are extremely adamant on purchasing these shoes, why not try the pair that are only $100, which look exactly the same as the original?

I guarantee you nor anyone else will be able to tell the difference (apart from the fact that your wallet hasn't been fatally dented), and that even if you did somehow wind up with that ridiculous amount of money (due to some freak accident involving a marshmallow truck colliding with a magical gnome turning innocent bystanders into credit cards), the second you bought them you'd be over them and it would be a waste.

Step Two: Set realistic time frames.
Ok, so I've just got my Ancient History assessment task on Anthony and Cleopatra. I promised the teacher that no, this time I won't cram it all in the night before. And yes, I will actually find FACTUAL information, not just blab about my personal opinion on the matter.

The first step is to organise a timeframe in which the goal (i.e. Mr nasty assessment task) is to be completed. You can do this by breaking up the goal into various sections and organising smaller timeframes for each of these.

For example, if you were given the assessment task to do over a 6 week time period you could break it up into sections such as: Weeks 1-2: research Weeks 2-4: drafts; and Weeks 4-6: editing and final copy.

I know it sounds easier said than done but the more lax you make the time slots, the less likely you will complete that assignment. Especially if you make room for parties or shopping sprees (the essentials of coarse!), over getting this task complete. So try to organise the timing by weeks, not hours and minutes, for a stress-free yet organised solution.

Step three: Easy does it.
Ok, so not everything goes exactly according to plan. There is no need to throw things around, ignore all those who love you and vow that your life is ruined as you lock yourself in your room and listen to all the slow tracks on every CD you own, pitying your very existence.

All you need to do is take a few steps backwards, take a few deep breaths and in the words of a wise one: (don't ask who, because I just stole it off my friends who stole it of someone else) "find your centre".

So what if you have a few minor setbacks here and there, it's all part of the learning kerb and will actually make your goal more fulfilling when you achieve it.

For all those who have recently undergone the HSC, you will actually hate me for saying this (for obvious reasons) but it's all about the journey, not necessarily the destination. In other words, enjoy the experience and take it as it comes. When it's all over, you'll be laughing your head off.

What will the Bellaboo Crew be setting their minds on before the New Year arrives?

Sarah:
My new years resolution for this year is to: save up enough money for a trip to the Gold Coast with my two best friends.
I am making it work by: placing a realistic percentage of my wage each week into a savings account which I have banned myself from accessing until the day I leave!

Jess:
My new years resolution for this year is to: To reach a new level of fitness and determination with my long distance running.
I am making it work by: Running every day during my holidays.

Lizzi:
My new years resolution for this year is to: ace the HSC.
I am making it work by: making sure that this year I focus on my studies.

Ash:
My new years resolution for this year is to: get fit and healthy and make sure I stay in touch with all my school friends now that I've left school.
I am making it work by: eating healthier, exercising more, and making time to stay in touch with friends.

Lucy:
My new years resolution for this year is to: to get fit and toned and try hard at school to achieve my UAI goal.
I am making it work by: running and exercising regularly, studying hard and making school a priority.