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How Not to Fail at Making Goals

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The start of the school year is always filled with resolutions to make this year different, a desire to be better, and with the thought that when there is a will, there is a way. This time of year – the beginning of October – when you realize exactly how many assignments, readings, and deadlines are about to hit you, is when that intention wavers. And in most cases, you slip back into your usual routine of procrastination, speeding to get things done at the last minute, and vowing that the next assignment/reading/essay will be different.

I have seen a lot of people go through this, and suffered through this myself also. I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way though, which I hope will help you stick to your goals.

Planning Stage

This is where you must put in some time deciding exactly what the goals are that you are trying to meet. Have you decided that you’re going to attend all your classes this year? Are you aiming for a better GPA? Are you thinking about getting more from your University experience besides just school?

1. Figure out exactly what it is that you want to achieve.
2. Make sure it is something you actually can achieve.

Step 2 is important. If you spent most of last year skipping all of your classes, then do not put down as your goal “I will get a 4.0 GPA … even though I got a 2.0 last year”. Your first goal is to make sure you actually attend all your classes this semester. If you commute and tend to sleep in and miss your morning classes, then figure out other times that lecture is offered. Read the course outline to see what you will be covering next class, read it, and figure out the importance of getting to that lecture/tutorial/practical.

There aren’t methods set in stone which will help you get from a 2.0 to a 4.0. There are ways to work UP to a 4.0. Make a few small changes and stick to them, once you’ve stuck to them and accomplished something, make another small change. You will definitely improve this way.

Relating back to step 2 – you have to figure out exactly what it is that will get you out of bed earlier, or how you will go to all your classes this year.

As cheesy as it sounds, and as much as it reminds me of way too many cheesy movies where the protagonist is suddenly overcome with this desire to do better, it works. Post it somewhere you’ll see it. Post it somewhere you tend to slack off so you will see it and feel guilty enough to actually do something about it. And change the location every once in awhile, so it doesn’t blend in and become a part of the wall and you start to ignore it.

Implementation Stage

This is when you start to put your amazing plan into action. Organization is key in this stage and will be a life saver. There are probably two or three things you can do in this stage that will help you a lot.

A visual reminder that your essay is actually THIS Friday instead of the NEXT Friday is a huge panic-attack avoider. It’s also great for noting your friend’s birthday is coming up and the day right before a huge midterm, so you can plan ahead and not miss the celebration.

A whiteboard calendar, and the student planner work as well, but I feel that the google calendar keeps things far more organized and neat.

It’s supposed to be the best note taking style there is – so it might help you out in class!

Your goals should be posted somewhere for you to see anyhow, so you know EXACTLY how much you are accomplishing.

Lose-Your-Motivation Stage

It happens. If you’re thinking the following thoughts:

• “I’ll get to it later. There’s still time.”

• “I only have an hour. It’s not enough time to get my work done anyhow.”

• “I work better under pressure.”