Why Is Goal Planning And Targeting Important To Success In Study?
Nothing great ever happens by accident. Successful people from all walks of life don’t just wake up one morning as high achievers! For change to happen, a plan of action has to be made, targets have to be set and a commitment to see it through has to be adopted.
The most successful students on any study programme are those who set themselves realistic, achievable goals to get them from A to B. Goals, or targets that stretch you somewhat are vital for consistent effort. Even if the end result falls short of the planned criteria, it’s a likely bet that you’ll be much closer to success than you’d have been without them.
To really get involved at an emotional level with the successful completion of your studies, compose a contract for yourself using the following headings:
DEFINE (what you want out of it) e.g. the exact car, house, number and type of holidays, income level for partner to give up work etc. Be specific or you won’t know when you’ve achieved it. Re-enforce it with photographs and put them up around where you plan to work.
DESIRE (why you’re doing it) e.g. personal challenge, get out from where you are, you owe it to yourself to have a better job, to prove to someone you’ve got what it takes, to take control of your destiny. This needs to be something that stirs an emotion within you.
DEDICATION is a measure of how commited you are to a successful end result. Plan your time each week so you know exactly when you’re dedicated to studying. This not only helps you to get into a routine, it’s also an indicator for those around you that you’re engaged in something that’s important to you. They won’t expect you to get involved in different activities when your diary shows a study period if you’ve been consistently sticking to your routine. Setting aside ‘official’ study times helps you to concentrate, and prevents you from thinking about other things that you could be doing. It also frees up your mind to enjoy leisure time outside of study periods.
DETERMINATION. Having a contract with yourself will make you more determined to stick with the programme. You’re the one who will lose out most if you give up on yourself.
Having a plan and targets to work towards gives you a DISCIPLINE that helps you to power through the tough times that will occasionally strike you.
Your contract is a working document designed to assist and strengthen you through the change in your life. Keep it close by, and take time to look at it regularly. Add inspiring thoughts and ideas to it that will keep you on track and spur you on. The more emotionally involved you get with the results of completing your course, the sooner you’ll get through it. Expectation of good things, along with planning and goal-setting, have proven time after time to bring the desired results to fruition.
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