Targeting your successHow to make your goals a reality

How do you set realistic goals?

Goal setting is an important skill that will help you effectively plan for your academic success.It does require effort, persistence, and determination to make sure the goals you set are achieved.Use the following slides to give you some useful strategies.

Clearly define your goals. Know exactly what you want to achieve.

Work out your “plan of attack” – how are you going to achieve them?

Work out the BLOCKERS to you achieving your goals and plan to deal with them.

Principles of Goal Setting

Think of alternative paths to achieving your goals.

Have a timeframe in which you want to achieve your goals.

Create CHECKPOINTS along the way so you can gauge how you are going.

Principles of Goal Setting cont.

Start NOW and build on the momentum……The starting is the hardest part.

Always know that you can change direction at any time if things aren’t working out the way you planned.

Reward yourself along the way for your achievements.

Principles of Goal Setting cont.

Short-term and long term goals

Short-term goals

Your short-term goals should support your long-term goals. They will be the smaller steps on the path to your final destination. They may change as you go....just keep the end in mind.

Long term goals

Set these first so you know the general direction you are heading. They will not be as specific as your short-term goals….but they will give focus to the more specific actions you will take as short-term goals.

Long Term GoalsPutting long term goals in place tells your mind, body and spirit that this is what you want to achieve. You will be amazed at how all of these things conspire then to make your goals a reality.

THE TRICK IS TO BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN BE ACHIEVED

Short Term GoalsThese are the smaller steps you take on the way to achieving the BIG PRIZE at the end.

Success in a short term goal lets you know that you are on the right track. It also gives you the motivation and drive to keep going.

Not achieving a short term goal only means you need to rethink your strategies. Do not see it as a “bad’ thing. You just need to refocus and possibly change the direction you are going.

Make sure, within your ability level and the time frame you have, that your goals are achievable.

Don’t make goals too big….this makes it more difficult to achieve them.

The only way you will know if you have achieved your goals is if you can measure them.

Aim for simple steps in the right direction. Don’t aim for an ‘A’ if you are getting a ‘D’ at the moment. You need to be realistic in what you think you can achieve

Study goals should be SMART

SpecificSpecific

MeasurableMeasurable

AchievableAchievable

RealisticRealistic

Time BoundTime Bound Knowing the end point allows you to make sure you leave enough time to achieve your goal.

Getting to class on time

Always having the equipment you need

Reducing the amount of time you watch TV or use Facebook

Some short-term goals might be…..

Learning how to take effective notes in class

Practising your essay writing skills

Improving your grade from a C+ to a B

Some short-term goals might be…..

Making a To-Do ListA To-Do List gives you a quick focus for action.It will help you achieve short-term goals.Making these goals visible and ticking them off as you go gives you a sense of accomplishment.

NOTE: Remember it should NOT be about how many things you get done, but whether you have taken care of the IMPORTANT things.

Choose friends who are going to help you achieve

your goals

Act as if you have already

achieved your goal

Goal setting worksheets

Why not try out these

Goal setting Worksheets to help you get on track

Why not try out these

Goal setting Worksheets to help you get on track

Where to from here?

These ideas are just that. You will not achieve your goals just by reading them.

You actually have to take action.

Are you on

target?