Setting and Achieving Goals
A goal is something that you want to accomplish or achieve at some define point in the future. There are generally two types of goals, short-term goals and long-term goals. Short-term goals are golas you want to acheive in the near future (i.e. in a week or two) and long-term goals are goals you want to achieve down the road (i.e. by the end of the term.) Setting realistic goals and accomplishing those goals is the key to achieving and maintaining academic success.
However, not all goals are appropriate goals. In order for your goals to be appropriate they need to be in line with what you desire to accomplish academically. You goals must also be clear. If your goals are not clear they effort you put towards achieving these goals will lack direction and focus. In preparing your goals follow "The Three W's of Goals". First WRITE down each of your goals. Second, each goal should state WHAT you want to accomplish. Finally, you need to identify WHEN you'll accomplish each goal. For example, an appropriate goal might be the following:
I will brainstorm a list of potential science projects (what you will do) for the science fair by December 3 (when you will accomlish the goal).
Characteristics of good goals include the following:
- Achievable. Setting goals that are so lofty that there is only a slight chance you'll be able to acheive them is not part of effective goal setting. Make sure the goals you set push you to excel but are well withing your skillset and ability to accomplish.
- Realistic. Setting a goal to get straight A's when you're approaching the end of the semester and failing most of your class may not be realistic. A realistic goal may be to pass all your classes and get a few A's and B's.
- Flexible. Don't set such rigid goals that you can't modify your goal if circumstances change. Also, set goals that allow you to acheive some success even if you don't achieve your entire goal.
Ultimately, you want to set goals that will provide you direction and motivation to succeed academically.
|
 |
|
College Degree Finder
|
|
Search our national database of online and campus based college degree programs.
|
|
