Students and Goal-Setting

     In order to be a successful student, you need good study habits, effective time management, academic and social systems and recreational outlets (yes, recreation is important as well). Without these, your student life could venture onto unstable ground.

     Having a clear vision allows you to understand yourself as well as your abilities. You need to begin to think of what your desired outcome is by the end of the academic year and what you need to do in order to make that outcome happen. This is where goal-setting comes into play. 

     As with any goal-setting strategy, you must remember that goals need to be realistic and attainable. If you earn straight C’s now, don’t expect to have straight A’s by the end of the first quarter. Start small and try not to choose goals that are too overwhelming. With small steps, you could easily get to greater gains. Make sure your goals are precise. For example, don’t set the goal “ To study more” if you intend to improve your study habits. You need to be more precise in order to become more self-disciplined. You could choose the subject area in which you are weak and set the goal: “To study Chemistry one hour three times a week during the first semester of the 2011 academic year”. This is more precise and causes you to take your goal-setting more seriously.

     Once you have developed your goal, you need to write down your goal. Don’t fret if it seems you cannot stick to your goal, you can change your goal anytime to create one that is more attainable for you. Be flexible. Goals can be changed.

     Not only do you need to think about your goals but you also need to consider any obstacles that could possibly get in the way of your goal-accomplishment progress. If you have a friend or roommate who constantly asks you to hang out with them, maybe you could suggest to them that you hang out one a week, on weekends or for a shorter amount of time with them during the week. Having this plan developed ahead of time, will keep you focused on your academic goals while allowing you to enjoy your social goals as well. Make sure these obstacles are written down along with your plan to manage them.

     Once you have all of your goals and obstacle plans in order, track your progress. In the case of studying three times a week, you could get a calendar or planner and note the date, time, subject area and amount of time you studied in addition to the date, time and amount of time you spent socializing. This serves as a motivator and allows you to have a visual of your progress. If you need support staying on track, tell someone who is supportive of your efforts and allow them to encourage you. Be careful of those who are negative when you fall off track. Reinforced negativity only causes you to develop low self-esteem and hinders you from accomplishing your goals.

     Follow these simple rules for a successful student life and, once you’ve accomplished these goals, check them off and begin anew with new goals for the next semester. Happy goal accomplishment!