Goal Setting 101: Realistic Goals to Set as a Student
Goals are unlimited in scope: they can relate to academics, relationships, sports, hobbies, and even self-care.
Luckily, it doesn’t have to be New Year's Day for you to start setting goals! Goal setting serves as a strategy for both self-motivation and self-improvement. Goals give you something to strive for. You can reap the benefits of goal-setting any time, any day, and any month of the year.
However, goals can sometimes seem unattainable or far-fetched. Unfortunately, this eliminates the primary purpose of goals. Instead of being optimistic, you’re left feeling disheartened. You might even wonder, “Why can’t I reach my goals? Am I not smart enough?”
Except, you are smart enough. While there are many factors that play into achieving your goals, one problem you might be experiencing is that you’re setting the wrong types of goals. It’s hard for anyone to achieve a goal that lacks specificity, an action plan, or enough time to actually work toward the goal. Realistic goal setting is the perfect solution.
How to Set Realistic Goals
Where do you see yourself in two months? Or at the end of this school year?
If you see yourself with a higher GPA or an improved mile time for track season, that’s great! However, let’s narrow these visions down.
Before you aim for all A’s, first reflect on your current school performance. Is there a particular subject or class you struggle with? If so, focus on specific steps you can take to succeed in that class. If the class you’ve identified is English, that may mean taking the time to make flashcards for your challenging weekly vocabulary quizzes.
So, your new goal can be, “this semester, I’m going make flashcards three days before each vocabulary quiz and review 20 minutes per day.” This goal is realistic because you can physically mark your calendar before each quiz and check off every day you review. You’re able to hold yourself accountable, as well as keep track of your progress.
Whereas “I’m going to improve my GPA” offers little direction because a goal so broad can become overwhelming. Remember that SMART goal setting means creating goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
If you’re hoping for an improved mile time, is there a specific time that you’re hoping for? When can you actually practice running? After asking yourself these questions, your new goal might be, “I’m going to go on an additional run every Saturday afternoon to decrease my mile time by 20 seconds in four months.”
Keep in mind that you don’t have to wait for your ultimate goal to be met to reward yourself! For instance, in the running scenario above, you can treat yourself after every run you go on and after any improvement in mile time, not just by twenty seconds.
5 Realistic Goals to Set for Yourself
Here are some examples of realistic goals that you can set for yourself as a student!
1. I’m going to study for my AP exam twice a week beginning in March.
Studying for your AP test(s) early will help you avoid procrastination (a plague all too familiar to most students). Instead of studying for hours on end, you can start preparing early and space out your course review.
2. I’m going to attend my algebra teacher’s office hours every Monday this month.
Getting extra help from a teacher may seem like a hassle, but it helps you succeed in the long run. Going to a teacher’s office hours for four weeks feels more doable than an entire year — but you can still get valuable tutoring! After all, It’s good to have both short-term and long-term goals.
3. I’m going to start my homework at 4:30* every day.
After a long day at school, homework might be the last thing that you want to do. Try setting a specific time to start your homework after you’ve given yourself a break to relax or eat a snack.
Eventually, you’ll develop a homework routine that helps you complete work on time and avoid missing assignments. (*any time that works best for you given your work schedule, extracurricular activities, and/or family duties)
4. I’m going to read my book for 1 hour every Sunday and turn off digital distractions.
“Reading more” is a popular goal among kids, teens, and adults. Yet, it’s a goal that’s challenging to maintain. People get distracted by their hectic lives, so they forget to read and delay their goals. Giving yourself exact guidelines, such as a certain day and environment where you will read, can encourage you to truly set time aside for reading (or any hobby you’re interested in).
5. I’m going to practice 5 minutes of meditation (or any form of relaxation) twice a week.
Self-care can reduce stress and increase happiness, but many people don’t prioritize it. Self-care doesn’t have to be a time-consuming luxury. Something as simple as meditating for a few minutes before bed ensures that you’re taking care of your mental health as a student.
Final Thoughts on Realistic Goals
The time is now to start making realistic goals! You can choose one from above, or make your own! You might experience setbacks while working towards a goal, but don’t let that deter you. Your determination and persistence will allow you to overcome any obstacle you face.
For additional help in achieving an academic goal, sign up for a free tutoring session through UPchieve. You can get one-on-one support from an academic coach in math, science, reading, SAT prep, and more!