TeenBack To SchoolStarting College

5 Back-To-School Goals That Have NOTHING To Do With School

5 Back-To-School Goals That Have NOTHING To Do With School!
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The first day of school means new teachers, new classes and new hopes for an amazing year ahead. We already asked you what your big back-to-school dreams were -- but what about non-academic goals? Sure, getting good grades and college applications are no doubt important, but it's also important to have other aspirations outside the classroom. Here are five back-to-school goals you should add to your list that have absolutely nothing to do with school!

1. Make a new friend outside your "group."
Even if you and your crew have been tighter than Spandex since your juicebox days on the playground, take a step outside your comfort zone and dare to befriend someone new. Maybe it's that new French exchange student or that cool girl with the awesome My Little Pony hair streaks in your woodshop class. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation - putting yourself out there isn't as scary as you think. While he or she might not become your instant BFF, you might discover a mutual love for intricately-designed cupcakes and cheesy horror movies -- a.k.a. the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

2. Finish a book... that wasn't assigned to you.
Don't get us wrong, "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Great Gatsby" are fantastic books, but there's something to be said for opening a new book because you want to -- not because you have to. The required reading assigned by your teachers doesn't leave much room for "fun" reading, but when you get some downtime, instead of hopping on Tumblr, give your eyes a break from the screen and curl up with that guilty pleasure that's been collecting dust on your nightstand. Getting lost in a book is not only a great distraction from college application stress, but it's equally a great way to treat yourself for your hard work. (Check out these suggestions from our teen intern, Riley!)

3. Catch some serious zzzz's.
You know, you know -- sleep is important. But seriously, you owe it to yourself to get a full night's rest. It's all too easy to stay up until 2 a.m. binge-watching "Teen Wolf," but Dylan O'Brien can wait, we promise.

"But wait," you say, "I've got a huge bio test tomorrow and my entire college career depends on it!" Fair enough. However, know that pulling an all-nighter doesn't necessarily guarantee you an "A," and it can actually be more harmful than helpful. Of course, some projects and tests will merit late nights, but staying up until the wee hours isn't a habit you want to start. Instead, set realistic deadlines for finishing your work and repeat this to yourself: No test is worth your sanity.

4. Learn something new outside the classroom.

Take a sign language class. Learn to code. Sign yourself up for guitar lessons. The point is, do something for you -- not for your parents, your teachers or your resume. Seriously. Just for fun. Who knows? You could totally be the next Jimi Hendrix in the making and not even know it.

5. Eat breakfast. Every day.
Crazy goal, right? The fact of the matter is, skipping breakfast can lead to potential health issues down the road and even affect your grades. And sorry, but we're not counting strawberry Pop-Tarts as a balanced meal. Don't have time? Click here for easy, on-the-go breakfast ideas for when you're running out the door. Your stomach (and brain) will thank you.

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Before You Go

20 Things Not To Worry About Before You Turn 20
Your College Major(01 of20)
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Most college freshmen don't know their major going into college -- and if they do, they frequently end up changing it after a semester or a year. The whole point of college is exploration: Take your time and try out different subjects until you find one that sticks. (credit:AP)
What You're Looking For In A Relationship(02 of20)
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It can take a lot of relationship experience to figure out what you're really looking for in a partner. And by no means is that something you need to fugure out in high school or even college. Spending times with different types of people, and having both good and bad experiences with them, will make your needs and desires clear in time. (credit:alamy)
Spending WAY Too Much Time On Tumblr(03 of20)
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OK, so scrolling through Tumblr until 3 a.m. when you have an exam the next morning is probably not the best idea, but don't feel bad about spending a seemingly inordinate amount of time on your favorite social network. Twitter and Tumblr can be a great way to connect with others and figure out your own interests and aesthetics. (credit:alamy)
Defining Your Personal Style(04 of20)
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Your style will likely change drastically as you get older and experiment with different looks -- don't worry about figuring out whether to label your style as "glam" or "boho." Just look at Taylor Swift, who has changed her signature style with each album. Have fun exploring and gradually figuring out what looks you feel the most, well, you. (credit:swaggerny)
Having A Perfect Resume(05 of20)
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In high school and college, there's a lot of pressure to succeed in your academics, extra-curriculars and internships. But if you participate in activities and go after awards solely for the sake of your resume -- not out of real interest -- colleges and employers will probably be able to tell. Do things because they're what you love! (credit:alamy)
Being A Super-Fan(06 of20)
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So what if you worship your favorite star? Now is the time in your life to declare your unfailing, til-death-to-us-part devotion to that special singer or actor you love. Don't let the haters make you feel embarrassed about that "one thing" you can't get enough of -- whether it's the Biebs or the 1D boys. You have the whole rest of your life to play it cool. (credit:Getty/Wenn)
Finding The Right Group Of Friends(07 of20)
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Finding good friends in high school is important, but don't stress about it too much if you have never found the perfect group of friends. As you move into college and the real world, where you're interacting with a larger and more diverse demographic, you'll find those people you really want to spend your time with. (credit:shutterstock)
Being Able To Cook A Gourmet Meal(08 of20)
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Even if cooking isn't your thing, it's still worth learning how to make a meal that doesn't come out of a can or box. But don't stress about being able to prepare meals worthy of a five-star restaurant -- simple, basic recipes can still be healthy, delicious, and impressive to dinner party guests. (credit:alamy)
Finding 'The One'(09 of20)
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Think your high school sweetheart is the real deal? Finding love when you're young is an incredible experience, but don't worry too much about finding your "forever." You have years ahead of you to find yourself before you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. (credit:alamy)
Still Going To Your Parents For Help(10 of20)
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If you're 12, 18, or even 30 years old, it's okay to lean on your parents for help or support whenever you need it. Growing up means learning to do things on your own, yes, but it doesn't mean that you have to do it all alone. Learn to lean on the people who will always be there for you. (credit:shutterstock)
Understanding Your Sexuality(11 of20)
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Sexuality and attraction can take many different forms, and it's something you can spend your entire life exploring. Questioning your sexual orientation can be a challenging process, but try to remember that it's okay if you're still figuring it all out. (credit:alamy)
Defining Your Political Beliefs(12 of20)
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Not sure if you lean liberal or conservative, or what exactly all the differences are between the Democrats and the GOP? Don't sweat it. While it's important to stay informed about current events and issues in our country, figuring out what side you're on isn't so important. It's the issues, not the parties, that really matter. (credit:Getty)
Getting A Credit Card(13 of20)
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Unless you HAVE to, just don't. Credit cards are dangerous because they can feel like free money -- a track that many debt-laden college students have fallen into. Stick to cash and a debit card until you determine that you're ready to build good credit and have the resources to pay off your bill every month. (credit:alamy)
Acting Like A Little Kid Sometimes(14 of20)
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In your rush to leave childhood in the dust, don't worry about acting like a kid sometimes -- you know, taking time to just play. Make a 10-minute stop at the swingset on your walk home, let yourself doodle during class, and enjoy an ice cream cone (with rainbow sprinkles) when you're having a bad day and need a pick-me-up. (credit:shutterstock)
Being Single(15 of20)
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When your friends are all in relationships and every teen magazine is giving you tips on how to "Get a boyfriend now!" it's hard not to feel inadequate about being single. Whether you're a serial dater or you've never been in a real relationship, learning how to embrace being on your own is a skill that will make you stronger -- and happier -- for the rest of your life. (credit:alamy)
Following A 'Life Timeline'(16 of20)
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For the more type-A among us, it's almost instinctive to try to chart out your life: Make the varsity team by sophomore year, get a boyfriend or girlfriend by senior year, travel abroad by 18, get a job right out of college. It's important to have goals, but let's be honest -- life doesn't really work that way. Save yourself a lot of frustration by being flexible about when you accomplish things and not getting too upset when life don't go exactly according to plan. (credit:alamy)
Being Perfect(17 of20)
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This goes for individuals of all ages, but the pressure to be perfect can be especially challenging as a teenager. Time spent worrying about being a straight-A student, having a flawless figure or living the perfect life is time wasted. Embrace your flaws. (credit:xyzena.tumblr.com)
Knowing If/When You Want To Get Married Or Have Kids(18 of20)
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Whether you think you may want to start a family right after you graduate or the mere idea of marriage sends you into a tailspin, knowing if and when you want to settle down isn't something to waste your energy worrying about. Chances are, you'll change your mind a handful of times during your teens, 20s and 30s before you figure it out -- and that's totally OK. (credit:shutterstock)
Knowing What You Want To Do For The Rest Of Your Life(19 of20)
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When you're feeling pressured to figure out where you're going to college, what your major will be, and in turn, what you want in your career, it's easy to stress out over your entire life plan. But the truth of the matter is that interests evolve and that most people change their careers many times of their course of their lives. If you haven't found your passion, experiment with things that sound fun to you until something clicks -- and trust that, eventually, it will. (credit:shutterstock)
Knowing Who You Are(20 of20)
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We've heard time and again that change is life's only constant -- and it's true. Especially when you're a teenager, you're still changing and figuring out who you are, a process that will continue for most if not all of your life. Instead of feeling pressured to define yourself based on your musical taste or relationships, enjoy the lifelong process of discovering -- and creating -- yourself. (credit:hipsterchipster.tumblr.com)
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