Motivational Goal-setting Part 2

Having goals and working toward them can be very motivational.  You can set goals of different lengths to help motivate yourself.   Here are some examples:

Long-term goals can be any length that is not immediate - end of the semester, four years from now, whatever suits your purposes.  Here are some examples from my students:

*At the end of the semester I will be off of probation.

*At the end of this semester I will be on the Deans’ List (3.25 semester GPA or higher at my university).

*This semester I will earn nothing lower than a B.

*I will earn an A in Organic Chemistry.

*I will review my notes as soon as possible after each class.

A short-term goal can be anything with a week or two time period, such as:

*I will earn a B on my History exam.

*I will study two hours a day in the Library at least four days this week.

*I will complete all of my English reading before the weekend.

A third length is a daily goal - like a “To-do list.”  For example:

*I will finish studying in time to watch my favorite TV show at 9:00 PM.

*Today I will do my laundry and go to the gym.

*Today I will write out a study plan for the week.

*I will go to the tutoring center for help with math.

(You will note that all of these goals fulfill the three necessary characteristics of an effective goal – they have a time limit, are measurable and achievable.)

An important step is to do more than just think about your goal. Write it down; post it where you will see it, tell someone else.  You have to remind yourself daily about what you want to achieve.  This makes it more concrete and meaningful.

Take a minute right now and set a goal for the next week and a few for today.  Then – go out and achieve them!!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

Motivational Goal Setting Part 1

One way you can keep on track in your studies is to set goals and then strive to reach them.  An effective goal has three characteristics:

* It has a time limit

* It is measurable

* It is achievable

Compare these two goals:

I will study harder this semester.

I will earn a B or higher on my History exam next Friday.

The first goal really is meaningless.  What does it mean to “study harder?”  How can you measure it and when will you know that you have achieved it?   By contrast, the second goal gives you something to work toward and helps direct your activities toward achieving that goal.  Now that you know where you want to be, your next job is to arrange your time and activities so that you achieve it.

Then, when you achieve your goal the feeling of accomplishment will spur you on to continue to work toward your next goal.

One last thing – it is helpful to post your goal where you will see if often in order to keep reminding yourself what you are working for.  In class I have students write their weekly goal at the top of the weekly page in their planner.  You can also tape it to the side of your computer screen, on the door frame or on your bathroom mirror so that you see it each day.

Because there are so many distractions, particularly for college students, it is necessary to constantly remind yourself about why you are in college and where you want to be.   Effective goals will help keep you motivated, make good choices and choose activities that will help you achieve your goals.

Next week – goals for different lengths of time.

Work hard and enjoy your accomplishments!

First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com and amazon.com.

 

 

Focus on Your Goals

“Keep your mind on the great and splendid things you would like to do, and then, as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the opportunities that are required for the fulfillment of your desire.”

I have had this quote from Elbert Hubbard on the bulletin board above my desk ever since I went back to school to earn my doctorate in the early 1990’s.  It doesn’t mean that what you desire will just come to you without effort.   It means that if you focus on your goals, you will make decisions and look for opportunities that will help you achieve them. 

One problem many college students encounter is that there are so many distractions and other things to do that their goal (good semester grades, graduation, fulfilling career) gets lost and forgotten.   Even though it may be a very long-term goal, you have to do things every day to achieve it.  But it is hard to pass up an immediate pleasure to work toward something that you will not enjoy for months or even years.  

One thing you can do is what I did – post motivational sayings where you will see them every day.  You could write your goal on an index card and tape it to your mirror so you will see it every morning. The more you make working toward your goal a priority, the more you will want to plan your day around achieving that goal and will want to do the things that will get you there.

Next week look for information about the characteristics of an effective goal and the power of setting and achieving goals.   Have a successful week!

First Semester Success, Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at wordassociation.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.