Study goals are essential if you want to succeed as a student. Research indicates that setting goals is a reliable predictor of better grades and completing your qualification. Let’s look at why goal-setting is so important along with some tips on how to do this effectively.
For some, there’s an obvious benefit to setting goals. Some people, however, wonder why it’s necessary. You might think that, as a student, you naturally want to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible so you can finish your course. Isn’t it enough to have an overall intention to succeed without setting specific goals? The fact is, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that setting goals helps you accomplish more in any area of your life. There are several key reasons to set goals.
Here are some guidelines on setting effective goals. Research supports the value of SMART goals which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-specific.
Setting goals is an essential first step towards greater academic success. However, many people start off with the best of intentions but abandon their goals. There are many distractions that can get in the way. Here are some ways to stay focused on your goals.
Everyone has certain challenges when it comes to setting and achieving goals. The more honest you are with yourself, the easier it will be to overcome obstacles and challenges. When you identify a certain challenge you can set a goal on that particular issue. For example, you might find that staying up late playing computer games interferes with studying and deprives you of sleep. You could set a goal to go to bed by a certain time or to replace one hour of game-playing with an hour of study.
In some cases, overcoming challenges means enlisting help. If you’re having difficulty with a certain unit, it may help to arrange a meeting with the appropriate tutor or lecturer. He or she can help clarify material on which you’re unclear or suggest resources to help you. When you notice that you’re experiencing a certain challenge, it’s a good policy to set a new goal for dealing with this issue.
It’s also important not to abandon your goals because of setbacks. While goal-setting helps you achieve more, it doesn’t guarantee your success. When you set lots of goals, you’re bound to fall short some of the time. This doesn’t have to be catastrophic. Try to look at the situation objectively and identify why you didn’t accomplish your goal. It’s natural to feel disappointed but understand that you can always set a new goal and improve your results in the future.
When you set goals, you put yourself in the right frame of mind to accomplish something. A goal is often the difference between simply wanting to do something and creating a workable plan to actually get it done. It’s a serious commitment to enrol in a vocational qualification. If you want to achieve the best possible results, you need clear goals to keep you focused and to help you overcome challenges. Keep the above guidelines in mind to help you set and accomplish study goals.
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