1 Identify Your Goals
Attitude is a huge part of what sets successful students apart. It shapes how you approach setting goals, accomplishing tasks and viewing your education. It’s important to have a good attitude when creating new habits, like effective time management, studying regularly and practicing wellness.
Have you thought about your long-term goals? If one of your long-term goals is to get a career, it can be hard to stay motivated when your goal may be four or five years in the future. That’s why short-term goals can be important motivators.
Start with your big picture goals to identify how short-term goals can help you get there
What are SMART goals?
Have you heard the cliché that goals are dreams without deadlines? This can be very true and why SMART goal templates are an effective tool to turn dreams into goals.
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SMART goal |
Description |
Example |
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Specific |
Identify a clear goal. What outcomes will define if the goal is achieved? |
To get a 10 in CHEM1A03 |
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Measurable |
Choose metrics to measure the goal. How are you evaluating the achievement of the goal? |
Use assessment grades to track progress |
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Achievable |
Clarify if the goal is within the realm of being realistic. Can you take action to achieve the goal? |
Did well in grade 12 chemistry class and will use better study strategies |
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Relevant |
Explain how this is important and worthwhile. How will the goal support you? |
Need top performance to enter second year of study |
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Time bound |
Set a date so you can act on priorities and stay motivated. When do you want to accomplish your goal by?
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End of term |
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It’s important to review your goals often and place them somewhere that’s noticeable. This can increase your success rate.