It’s back to school season, and for students like me, this can be a big deal. Since classes have already started or are about to start for others, I wanted to share a tip to stay motivated and focused during the new school year and that is setting goals. I thought it will be easy to divide them in categories, to make them simple and to keep a better track of them. The important thing here is to make them realistic, doable and to not put to much pressure on yourself, just enough to bring out the best of you.
1. Long term
This one is the end result. It can be something you want to accomplish or have accomplished at the end of the semester or school year. Be specific and also write why you want to accomplish it.
2. Short term
This will be a goal that will help you accomplish your long term one or at least keep you on the right track or mind set to get to the end result you want. Again, be specific and write how doing it will help you.
3. Right now
This will be something you have to do often. Think of what you need to do constantly that will help you accomplish or remind you of your short and long term goals.
There has to be a short term and a right now goal for every long term goal you want to accomplish. They will be the map, or steps, you will have to follow to get to where you want to be.
To give you an idea I will share one of mines.
- Long term – Pass the comprehensive exam: Necessary to graduate from my Masters Degree and if I don’t pass it, it will set me back on other things I want to accomplish, like taking the exam for my professional license.
- Short term – Make a review of all the classes: It will help me to be organized and have everything I need to study.
- Right now – Study at least 4 times a week for 1 to 2 hours (break times not included).
Be sure to also plan a reward for accomplishing your goals, it can be anything from giving yourself free time, binge on Netflix for a day or buy your self something you really want. Be creative and make it fun.
My reward: finishing my masters in December and having a celebratory getaway weekend.
Another important tip, choose someone to share your goals with, someone responsible, who will make you accountable for them and who will be willing to give you a bit of motivation if you start lacking. Also, have your goals written out somewhere visible, this way you won’t forget them and you will keep them fresh in your mind.
If you are a student right know, what are you most looking forward to in this new school year? If not, what would you have done differently when you were studying? Leave me your comment bellow, I will love to know.
Never stop dreaming,
♥ Steph