Success and Failures: How to Set Goals for Students
Throughout our time as a student, we have at least once heard of people telling us the importance of setting goals. From our parents, teachers to our friends, we have been bombarded by these types of questions: “what is your dream?”, “where do you see yourself in five years?”, “what do you want to achieve this year?” and so many other similar questions. Many people will even give us “short talks” about the importance of having goals and how we should start setting goals. Even as an adult, you will still hear about it a lot. Unsurprisingly, all their “short talks” are true! That is why so many people keep talking and suggesting it to other people. Setting goals does the trick since it helps steering you from getting off track. You may be confused or are not sure how to start but you won't be if you pay attention to these 5 things:
- Know the why behind your goals
Do not just set your goals blindly without knowing the reason. Know the motivation behind them so when difficulties and challenges come (they will), you will not get discouraged and give up. Instead, you will keep moving forward relentlessly because your mind is set on the true reason of striving to achieve those targets in the first place.
- Break down your goals and make them specific and measurable
Some people make mistakes by setting a goal that is difficult to measure, such as I want to get a high score or I want to get better. Instead, break them down into several small specific and measurable targets. This method allows you to achieve milestones that will keep you motivated and let you track your progress. Additionally, reviewing your progress gives you opportunities to make appropriate adjustments along the way. For instance, you set reading more books as one of your new year's resolutions. Break this goal into several small specific todos that you can measure. Reading 24 books in a year can be broken down into a smaller target of reading 2 books per month. Break it down again into reading 2 chapters every single day. In the process, you may find that you read quite fast and end up reading 4 chapters each day. You can then adjust your goals accordingly, such as increasing the number of books read each month to 4.
- Learn from your past failures and successes
The purpose of setting goals is to get better and to improve. Hence, you would want to reflect on the past few years and learn from your past failures and successes. Figure out what mistakes you did that led to those failures. Think of how you can learn from them and what you can do differently. Additionally, learn from your successes. Ask yourself about what you have done to attain such achievements. Keep or improve that thing and make it a habit.
- Go crazy but not too crazy
You may think that you want to start small and easy with your goals, thinking that they are easier to achieve. This mindset, however, is not doing you any good. It will make you settle for accomplishments that are well within your reach. Instead, go crazy with your goals. Dream big and let it challenges you to unleash your full potential. On the other hand, do not go too crazy either. Be realistic and consider your circumstances, resources and the time frame you have in achieving those aims.
- Write it down
Write your goals down to make it real to you and as a commitment to yourself. Also, put it in a visible spot so you can read those targets occasionally, to keep you motivated and stay focused to pursue them. Now, setting goals does not sound hard at all, does it ;)? So, dream big and work hard. Believe in yourself and do not get discouraged nor disappointed when you fail. It is part of the process. Just get up and set another crazy goal :)!
Remember that it is more than just a buzzword or a fleeting trend. Setting goals is a powerful tool that can shape our future and steer us towards success. Embrace the wisdom shared by those who have spoken to you about the significance of having a vision for your life.
