Why Is Goal Planning And Targeting Important To Success In Study?
30 01 2009
Planning for a successful outcome is the basic requirement of any endeavour. Today’s football superstars didn’t get to become multi-millionaires without years of dedication to practice, planning and targets. For any life-changing event to happen, planning and goal-setting are paramount.
Before you embark on your studies, you’ll find it valuable to set yourself a series of goals or targets to help you complete the course. Spending a little time planning these goals will pay dividends down the road. To have a chance of reaching your goals, they should always be S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Targeted.
Use the following five D’s to help you get emotionally involved with the result of your efforts. Write your five D’s down in a contract to yourself.
DEFINE what you wish to get out of your soon to be acquired new skill-set, to keep you motivated along the way. Be specific about the material things you’re looking forward to, the kind of home you want, the sort of holidays you’ll take and the type of car you’ll drive.
DESIRE. Explore your emotions for this one, and dig deep to discover why your studies are important. Is it to prove to yourself or others that you are an achiever, and that you deserve better things? Perhaps you want more control in your life, or maybe it’s a personal challenge.
DEDICATION (the commitment) How much time will you spend studying each week and when? Put it on a calendar, in a diary, or on the fridge! You’ve made an appointment with yourself to fulfil your future, so keep it; it’s really important to put specific time aside to study. Let the people in your life know when that is, so they won’t expect you to do other things at that time (just as they don’t when you go to your job). Psychologically you’ll also find it much easier on yourself if you do this. It means when you’re relaxing you won’t be feeling guilty that you’re not studying, and when you’re studying you won’t be feeling you’re missing out on some other activity.
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.
DISCIPLINE. The goals and disciplines you put in place will give you strength to overcome any adversities that inevitably come your way.
Once you’ve done this, sign it and do NOT put it away in a drawer. This is a working document and should be read every day for at least one month so you buy into it and it becomes your new way of life. If and when things get tough, read it again for another month. Always have it close to hand while you study and show it to your partner, kids (if you have them), friends and parents. This will help you to see your goal through.
