01 Aug New Semester, New Goals – Aug 12

By Grace Susatyo

It is back-to-University time! I don’t know about you, but I always love the start of a new semester as it is full of excitement and new challenges. I normally mark this time by setting up some goals to achieve, as it helps me to keep track with my future goals.

Here are a few tips for you:

1 Goals must be SPECIFIC. You need to spell out exactly what you want to accomplish whilst keeping your long-term goals in mind. Vague goals can be overwhelming. It is easy to say, “I’m going to study more this semester.” But what does it mean? A good goal might be “to strive for a grade of “D” or “HD” in all my subjects”.

2 MEASURABLE means describing your goal in a way that can be evaluated so you can keep track on how you are doing. If you are going to study more this semester, you should begin by considering how much time you really need to devote to your study. As an advisor, I recommend a ratio of 3 hours study outside of class for each credit point contributing to your unit. Therefore if your unit is worth 3 credit points, then you need to spend 9 hours outside of class studying. If you are taking 4 units each semester, most likely you need to spend 36 hours outside class just for studying.

3 ACTION-ORIENTED refers to identifying the specific actions that you need take to achieve your goals. An example, for me to finish my long essay for Management unit due in 3 weeks time, means I must spend at least 1 hour everyday to do my research for that essay.

4REALISTIC is a reminder that we need to identify a goal that we are actually capable of achieving. Whilst it is true that we always want our goals to challenge us to reach for a higher level of success, but we need to make sure that we have the capacity to achieve what we set out to do. A goal that is beyond our capacity for achievement may actually de-motivate us.

5 TIMELY means set a clear completion date for your goals. Thirteen weeks in one semester is quite a long time to wait for the reward of accomplishing your goal. I always suggest having a planner so you can track your progress, both on weekly and monthly basis.

“A goal that is beyond our capacity for achievement may actually de-motivate us.”

And once you hit your target, do not forget to reward yourself! It is so important to reward ourselves for achieving something. It does not matter whether it is big or small; just make sure that you celebrate your achievements! Giving yourself a reward will help you push through those difficult times helping you to reach your next milestone.

Be smart by setting SMART goals!