Sometimes we think we will accomplish so much over Winter Break, and then we realize that we are exhausted from the fall semester. In the end, little is accomplished. I’ve found that “planning” one’s break can be helpful. We can all benefit from taking a bit of time to think about what would make a great Winter Break. Do you want to prioritize relaxation, family time, or maybe finishing an article? Do you want to read, cook, or sleep? Maybe your goals are focused on things outside Old Dominion University, like travel or engaging a hobby. Whatever your goals…write them down. Dr. Gail Matthews, Professor Emerita of Psychology at Dominican University of California, has studied goal setting and determined that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. By writing out your goals, you automatically become more reflective and are able to clarify your own thinking. You can also be more realistic when you see what you’ve written. You are more likely to ask yourself, is this too much? Writing also better encodes material in our brains making us more likely to follow through.
Below is a form that can be used to help your plan your Winter Break.
Realistic Winter Break Planning Goals
PART I: Career Goals
What do you want to achieve professionally before your next milestone (whether it is career advancement, tenure, promotion, or retirement) within the next 5-10 years? Briefly reflect on and write down the goals you hope to achieve during the next 5-10 years.
Today: 2025
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Milestone year: 2030
PART II: Winter Break Project Timeline
Fill in the project timeline with goals you are working towards in the shorter term that will advance your long-term goals (e.g., submissions for publication, course revisions, professional or recreational reading, rest, relaxation, exercise, family or financial goals, or a combination of several items etc...).
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2025 Fall Semester Commencement 2025-26 Winter Break
|How will you spend your winter break?
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|End of Winter Break 2025-2026
Part III: Winter Break Timeline: 2025
Fill in the goals in terms of what is most important for you. Include, research, course development, travel/family/self-care/etc…the things you see as most relevant for a successful winter break. List one important thing you hope to accomplish before the start of the spring semester in 2026.
Goals:
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Part IV: Self-care goals: Winter break 2025
Self-Care is extremely important. How will you prioritize it during winter break?
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Part V: Sleep goals: Winter break 2025
Sleep is extremely important. How will you prioritize it during winter break?
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Part VI: Winter Break Check-ins: Find a partner
Once you’ve finished the 2025 fall semester, consider making an appointment (email or a coffee date) with a friend, family member, or colleague to check in on how you are doing. Agree on meeting during the break—weekly or bi-weekly in person or online between the end of classes and the start of classes.
Partner: ____________________________________________
Check in time/date/Venue: ___________________________
2025-2026 Winter Break Timeline
December —End of Semester
- Friday, December 5: Last Day of Classes
- Friday, December 12: Exams End
- Tuesdays December 16: Grades due by noon
- December 20-January 2: Holiday Break, University Closed
- Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
- Tuesday, January 20: Spring Classes Begin