Setting goals and seeing them come to fruition can be difficult. A way to make sure goals are achieved is to set goals that are measurable, meaningful, realistic, and that have a time table. Below you will find tips on how to set effective goals.
- Goals should have a time-table. If this is the first time you are writing goals down, you may find it helpful to start with 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year goals.
- When you write down your goals, do so in past tense, as if the goal has already been met. Psychologically, this helps you to visualize the goal's completion.
- Any goal you have should be realistic in the time-frame specified. Goals that are too idealistic will not be reached.
- To make a goal realistic, list at least two actions that can be taken to move you closer to that goal.
- Goals should be measurable - meaning you can chart your progress.
- Goals should be meaningful. Don't set a goal because you "should" do something. Set a goal because you "must" do something. If you don't personalize the goal you will have a hard time taking action towards meeting the goal.
- Goals should be written down.
- Act on those actions that lead towards meeting your goals.
By taking time to look at where you are and where you want to be, you can better chart your course. This is important when it comes to academics, research, and any project. If you goal is to finish up the semester with A's, then you need to take the appropriate actions that will lead to this result.
