How to Set and Achieve Academic Goals


Goal setting is usually completely overlooked in educational institutions. You can go through 12 years of grade school and another 4 or 6 years of college without ever learning how to set goals.

However, goals are incredibly important because they give your brain and your mind a clear direction and precise instructions on what to do and how to do it. With goals you can achieve a lot more in a few months than most people you know will achieve in years, if at all.

I’d like to give you a very simple method of goal setting for your college studies that you can apply in your work life as well.

First, break your academic life into several areas. I’ll give you three that I focus on a lot in my videos: writing, vocabulary, and reading difficult texts.

Next, pick one area in which you know you should improve. Let’s say it is expanding your vocabulary.

Next, ask yourself, how important is it for you to improve your vocabulary? The answer to this question will provide you with motivation to do something about it. Write it down.

Next, set a definite goal. The goal must include what you want to accomplish and by what date.

For example, “I learn 50 new words by December 31.” This goal is definite and gives you the great power of clarity.

Now you’re ready to plan your actions to make this goal a reality. Let’s say that the year has just begun for you. About fifty weeks from now is December 31.

So, if you learn just one new word per week, then by the end of the year you will have learned 50 new words, and your goal will be achieved. So, set aside a short period of time each week to learn one new word.

By the way, if you actually do this and learn 50 new words in one year, that would probably be 50 more than most of your friends or coworkers will have learned.

You’ll be making progress faster than anyone you know. And it would only take a few minutes each week to make a new word your own.

And you can apply this process to any area of your studies. If you have a strong accent, for example, and you want to speak more clearly, set aside time to do something each day or each week to improve your speech.

For example, you could focus on one sound or one letter per week. And you’ll be making progress fast. Don’t neglect goal setting – it is vital to your success in college, life, and work.

Cheers…

TP

Tutor Phil

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

Recent Posts