Successful college student follow successful goal-setting patterns

On the first day of my communication classes students have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the class. In one class one of my recent students appeared to be discouraged. This student did not know why there were in college. They did not have any plans for the future. And they struggled to describe their current situation. This student did not recognize the value of setting goals. Richard L. Evans, author of Thoughts for 100 Days said: “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” Taking the time to create some plans is a great way to overcome your discouragement. There is a lot of truth in the cliché, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” A year school year is beginning in a few weeks for college students across America.

College students should take advantage of the opportunity to review their goals at the beginning of each new semester. Students should review both short and long-term goals. A student may have a short-term goal to increase their grades they receive in their classes. A long- term goal might be to review progress toward the completion of an associates or bachelor's degree.

Write down your goals. Those familiar with goal-setting recognize that a goal not written is only a wish. Our minds are constantly forgetting information. Within six to eight months of graduation from college a student will forget up to eighty percent of what they heard in classroom lectures. Students who set mental goals may soon forget them. It only takes a few minutes to sit down with your laptop and jot down some short and long-term goals. The beginning of new semester in ideal time to review goals, but goals can be reviewed at anytime.

There are several benefits to setting goals for success in college. A goal is a GPS to where you want to go with your current college classes and your entire college experience. By reviewing your goals you can brainstorm the best approaches to reaching them. The best evaluation of goals is measure your progress toward their completion. And many goal setters create rewards for the accomplishment of their goals.

Brainstorming is an important part of the goal setting process. Goal setting begins with brainstorming a list of both small and long-term goals. This is followed by prioritizing your goals. The most important short-term goals are those items that require immediate attention.

Successful goals setter are aware of tried and tested strategies. As you work on your goals keep in mind the following strategies:
*Prioritize your goals based on your current course schedule.
*Make sure your goals include important time set aside for tutoring or group work
*Don't forget to write down your goals
*Remember PMA- have a positive mental attitude toward your goals and your ability to complete then.
*Avoid general or ambiguous goals. Be specific with what you want to accomplish.
*Visibility is important in the goal setting process. Don't hide your goals in your dresser drawer. The best place to put your goals is where you can see them-the best place for many students is on the refrigerator. *There is an old cliché that says "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, author of Finding Peace in our Lives observed: “I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you need to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving them.”