Learn how to set SMART goals and avoid becoming overwhelmed by big tasks.
Goal setting doesn’t have to just be career focussed; it can help to inform your life as a whole. Athletes, business leaders and successful people in all fields set goals to be clear about what they want to achieve. The secret to achieving goals is just starting.
SMART goals are goals that aren't just pie in the sky. Identify what you want to achieve, then set realistic goals that you will be able to reach. Click through the letters below to identify what makes a SMART goal.
SPECIFIC
What exactly is it that you need to do? Being specific is key if you want to achieve your goal. Consider what it is you're trying to accomplish, where it needs to happen and who needs to be involved. Read your assessment guidelines carefully so that you can make your goals specific.
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Watch the video to see how Dios used goal setting to help him succeed at university. Then it's your turn.
Well it was initially very scary, even just the idea of coming to university scared me, because I'm the first person in my family to attend uni and English is my fifth language and so I had a lot of self-doubt and that made me feel as if I was going to fail and be the last in the class and so it wasn't a good start.
This was reaffirmed with my grades for the first few units that I just did terribly poor.
But when I spoke to my uni mentor he kindly pointed out that I wasn't doing too badly given all that I had on my hands.
So he suggested that I try to rethink my goals and maybe start all over and so, given that I was working part time, doing full time study as well as looking after my wife and my beautiful daughter he suggested that I try to re-look at that and balance it out a bit more.
So I did reset my goals and decided I was going to break it down, just do three units a session and then pick up the two units over the summer session and it has since worked for me.
I've been able to get really good grades, keep my family happy and also my own wellbeing more in tune; so I've been very happy.
Get used to setting SMART goals so that you feel ready and confident to deal with the big assignments once your course is underway.
Think of one thing you'd like to achieve to help you move forward in your home, study or professional life.
Carefully work through each section to unravel all the components of your goal.
Follow your plan, meet your deadlines and get in control of your life.
Want more help?Southern Cross University's award-winning program, UniMentor, can link you with experienced students who can help make your transition to university as smooth as possible. Visit scu.edu.au/mentor.
