As we continue through the month of January, we encounter the start of a new semester of school. Based on how well you performed last semester, you may or may not be excited for this new set of classes to come. One way to approach the new semester is with as much motivation as you can, regardless of happened last semester.

It's a new year and a new opportunity for you to do your best in your given situation. Former President Teddy Roosevelt once said, "Believe you can and you're halfway there."

If you can find motivation and manage to believe in yourself, anything is possible over the next few months. Here are seven tips to a successful semester:

1. Put out inspirational reminders.

Whether you hide them under your pillow, put them on the bathroom mirror, or tuck them away in your favorite book, inspirational reminders can help motivate and inspire you to perform to the best of your ability during the semester to come. A note that simply says, "Do great!" or "Work hard!" can be enough to change your attitude for the day. In turn, this will not only benefit you, but it can also improve your day.

2. Cheer on your friends, so they do the same.

Not only can you motivate yourself, but you can motivate your friends just the same. By cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best, you can expect encouragement in return.

3. Set daily reminders.

By setting daily reminders on your phone, laptop or tablet, you are providing yourself with important reminders to study as well as to smile big once a day i.e. 5 p.m. study time, 3:00 p.m. work out, 8:00 a.m. walk to class.

4. Use short-term goals.

Setting short-term goals for yourself is important for seeing designated results. Nothing feels better than accomplishing a goal that you set for yourself.

5. Take up a hobby.

Having an activity to do outside of studying not only serves as an escape from school, but also brightens your day and allows for personal time. Working on a project or doing this hobby two or three times a week can help improve your mood.

6. Morning stretch.

After waking up in the morning, try stretching out your body to loosen up any tension that had built up. Stretching will help relax your body. Begin each morning with a quick stretch to stimulate your mind and body.

7. Use a planner.

You might already have a planner or daily scheduler, but do you actually use it? If so, great! If not, you might want to start. Writing and planning out your day on paper is a great way to stay organized and on top of all the tasks that you need to accomplish for that week.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into smaller manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain