With the New Year right around the corner, many of us are thinking about goals and resolutions.
While the New Year, in reality, is just a marker of time passing, it still provides us with the opportunity to look inwards and think about how the last year has been and what we want to do differently and hopefully accomplish this year.
The start of the New Year is a perfect time for students to set learning goals, grow, and focus on their long-term aspirations. As a result, they can get one step closer to understanding a little more about who they are, who they want to be, and where they want to take their academic journey.
Setting goals: part of the human experience
As humans, we seem to possess an innate desire to grow and improve — whether we act on it or not. This may explain why we feel dissatisfied when we fall short of the expectations we set for ourselves.
Psychologists call this cognitive dissonance: the discomfort that arises when our actions (or in this case, outcomes — don’t align with our beliefs or values. If we believe we should be improving but find ourselves stagnating, that disconnect can leave us feeling uneasy.
Perhaps our need to improve is also linked to survival. Could it be that the human instinct to continue getting better at something is a biological drive — strong enough to outweigh the fear of failure?
Ultimately, we often channel this longing to grow into the ritual of goal setting. Whether rooted in survival instincts or simply a fundamental aspect of human nature, our desire to improve is undeniably connected to the practice of setting and striving toward meaningful goals.
Even though we may not be entirely sure why goal setting has become such a fundamental part of the human experience, it’s clear that the practice plays a key role in achieving — or getting close to — the growth we desire.
Setting yourself up for success with learning goals
Setting goals may seem simple — even enjoyable — but it’s essential to approach the process with intention. The real challenge doesn’t lie in defining your goals; it’s in the commitment to seeing them through.
Assessing your current situation
When creating new learning goals, one of the most important steps to take is looking honestly at where you are (in relation to where you might want to be).
Think about your academic performance, study habits, and challenges over the past year. What subjects or skills do you feel confident in? Where have you struggled the most? What are your pain points that you haven’t yet tackled? What has been the most interesting or enjoyable work?
Reflecting on these areas will help you identify where to focus your efforts, in turn helping you define learning goals that will contribute more to your academic success in the new year.
Not sure where to begin with new learning goals? Start by reflecting on these questions:
- Which subject do I find most challenging?
- Do I excel more in projects and essays, or am I better at taking tests?
- What common mistakes do I tend to make on homework or assignments?
- Which topics or tasks have I enjoyed the most so far?
Setting realistic learning goals
Once you’ve assessed your current situation, it’s time to set goals that are both challenging and achievable — A.K.A, realistic! While it can be tempting to set insanely challenging goals for yourself, this is often not sustainable in the long run — on the other hand, when you set more attainable goals, you’ll be much more likely to follow through with your plan and actually see the desired outcome
.
Focus on resolutions that are specific, measurable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals). For example, instead of saying, “I want to get better at math,” try something like, “I want to improve my math grade by 10% by the end of the semester.”
Here, the correction is that you’re taking a pretty general goal and making it specific, miserable, and time-bound.
Creating realistic goals ensures you stay motivated and avoid the frustration of setting unattainable expectations.
Creating an action plan for achieving learning goals
Making learning goals without a plan is like attempting a marathon on no sleep—there’s only one word for it: insane!
Rather than just having this looming goal on the horizon, break your resolution down into smaller, actionable steps.
For instance, if your resolution is to improve your essay-writing skills, your action plan might include practicing essay writing once a week, attending a writing workshop, and/or seeking additional feedback from your teacher.
These are realistic, achievable steps that help you work toward your goal. Rather than expecting overnight improvement, focus on building a strong foundation through consistent effort and thoughtful practice.
Having a clear roadmap will make your learning goals feel more achievable and help you stay on track – meanwhile, when you have a clear, actionable plan, you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed, helping you reach your goals more effectively.
Staying motivated and accountable
Staying committed to your learning goals throughout the year can be tough, so it’s important to find way
s to stay motivated and accountable.
Tips for motivating yourself and staying accountable:
- Celebrate small milestones along the way to acknowledge your progress.
- Share your resolutions with a friend, teacher, or family member who can help hold you accountable.
- Track your progress regularly and adjust your plan if you see yourself becoming stagnant.
- Consider trying out scheduling and/or accountability apps to help you with your learning goals.
- Embrace a growth mindset to help you thrive even when faced with obstacles.
Final thoughts
Growth is a journey, not a race, so be patient with yourself and keep moving forward. Reach out to friends and family to discuss their experiences with setting goals — you might be surprised by their insights and words of encouragement. Nearly everyone has faced challenges with goal setting at some point.
The great thing about being a student is that you have so many doors of possibilities. You’re in a unique phase of life where knowledge is abundant and easily accessible. It won’t last forever, so make the most of the resources around you. Explore widely, set no limits on your potential, and establish learning goals that not only support your academic success but also bring you personal fulfillment and joy. Yes, learning really can be enjoyable!
