We all have goals – things we would like to achieve. As a tertiary student, it’s savvy to prioritise your goals.
You may have goals to:
- Get higher grades in your assessments
- Take a holiday after the exams
These are worthy goals – you’ll feel great when you make them happen. To reach your goals, you need to use a proven way to get started.
You need to set SMART goals to ensure that you get what you want. SMART typically stands for:
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Relevant
T: Time-bound
Let’s take a look at 2 examples of SMART goals in action:
I want to score better grades
Specific:
I want to score an A- or higher in each of my courses.
Measurable:
Tomorrow at 2 pm, I will access the Ara Learning Services Exams and Tests resources
I will note down the advice given and take steps to study more effectively.
Achievable:
Tomorrow, after accessing the Exams and Tests resources, I’ll create a weekly time schedule. I’ll use the tips found in:
Organising Your Time
Organising Your Time handout
My schedule will show my class times, part-time work hours, self-study times, breaks and leisure times.
I’ll plan enough time each week to study each course.
I’ll consistently use improved learning strategies based on the Exams and Tests resources and:
How to Learn
How to learn handout
Relevant:
I have the potential to score better grades, as I have obtained good grades like B.
Excellent grades will jump-start my career when I graduate.
I’ll be more likely to get an attractive job offer sooner.
My self-confidence will increase.
Time-bound:
In the coming exams, I’ll be scoring more A- or higher grades in my courses.
In a year’s time, I’ll have more A- or better grades.
I want to save for my holiday
Specific: I’d like to save $200 for my holiday in Nelson.
Measurable:
I’ll take a close look at my finances tomorrow – my monthly income and expenses.
I’ll write down the ways I can reduce my spending.
I’ll think of new part-time work to look for.
Achievable:
Every Saturday I’ll record my savings, income and expenses.
Relevant:
I would like a Nelson holiday with friends during the summer break. It would be a reward for my hard work.
Time-bound:
I’ll have saved $200 in 6 weeks’ time (I’ve calculated that I can save $33.33 per week).
I’ll go on my Nelson holiday in mid-January 2020.
Saving money regularly is a great habit to develop. But are you doing everything you can to protect your money and financial information?
Use these 14 Ways to Protect Your Money and Financial information
These 2 examples above show that setting SMART goals makes them more than just wishes or dreams. SMART goals give you focus and clarity regarding:
- What exactly is your goal? (Specific)
- What exactly must you do, by what deadline? (Measurable & Achievable)
- Why and how are your goals important to you? (Relevant)
- When can you reasonably expect to reach your goals? (Time-bound)
How to stay the course and reach your SMART goals
How do you stay on track with the goals you’ve set? Some ways are:
- Vision: Create a vision board or vision screen – look for attractive pictures, whether hard copy or online. Display in prominent places the pictures of your goals e.g. photos of the places where you plan to holiday. Make the pictures a part of your phone or computer home screen.
- Reminders: Give yourself reminders – you can use phone apps or a digital/hard copy organiser.
- Reward: Reward yourself for the milestones achieved, to sustain your momentum towards reaching your goals. Treat yourself to a special meal or a present.
Summary:
Step 1: Write your SMART goals.
Step 2: Keep yourself rewarded and motivated.
Step 3: Stay the course and walk the talk.
Step 4: Relish reaching your goals. Rejoice.
Start making and carrying out SMART goals to succeed. Check out these videos to find out more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBO_oqmEhGU
https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/smart-goals/
All the best and good luck!
Take action and make all your SMART goals come true
Leonard Yeo
Learning Services
Ara Library Blog 