Many people start the new year or a new semester with goals. I want better grades, or get a leadership position, or get an internship. However, many times a goal is too large to manage, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Conversely, sometimes life takes over and we forget it was ever a goal to begin with.
To make a goal more memorable and less overwhelming, make sure you break it down into small, achieveable steps. Remember, the Great Pyramids didn’t just show up fully formed. They were put together brick by brick. Also, give yourself plenty of time. A goal doesn’t need to be accomplished. It may take you all year or all semester, and that’s ok. If you give yourself more time, then you won’t feel as flustered, pressured, or like you aren’t succeeding.
Say your goal for this semester is to get better grades. Over the next 14 weeks, you really want to do well in class so you feel more prepared for finals. Great, 14 weeks is plenty of time! What smaller steps can we take? Set up (and go to!) weekly tutoring appointments. Get your papers reviewed at the writing center. Use a planner to schedule your time and block off specific time each day to do your homework. Go to your professors office hours to ask questions. Doing one of these things alone won’t necessarily give your better grades. But put them all together and by the end of the semester, finals will be a breeze!
So, take some time to reflect. What are your goals? What is your timetable? Most importantly, what are the small steps you can take to get there?
ALBRIGHT ELCDC 