Goal Setting 101- Just in Time for a New Semester

Libby Pappas
Kappa Alpha Theta

We all swear we’re going to break our bad habits once new classes begin. We’re not going to procrastinate, fall behind on readings, go on Facebook at the library or drink that can of Red Bull at midnight. Instead of continuously saying you’re going to change your ways, surprise yourself (and your friends) and actually do it.

With a new semester upon us, we all have the opportunity to start anew. The fresh starts that August and January afford us are an ideal time to re-evaluate past behaviors, set goals and determine the direction you want your life to go in for the next few months (and beyond.) Spring 2012 is only one month in and change is completely possible. Goal-setting is something that many of the most successful companies and sports teams require of their members -  deciphering and plotting your vision can help you achieve in many areas of life, not just limited to academics. We all have the power to make our “ideal” a reality through small but measurable strategic steps. Think of your life as a business and you as the CEO, overseeing the entire company. What steps are you going to take in order to guarantee that you arrive at your personal definition of success?

1. 

Record your goals- your goals need to be concrete and real, which means you need to either type, write, tweet, text, record or email your goals. Make note of the day and year and document accordingly.

2. 

Post your goals- once you set your goals, hang them in a place where you will be reminded of them on a daily basis. Tape your goals into your planner, hang them on your mirror or frame them- whatever you need to do to not forget or neglect these goals.

3. 

Work backwards- picture exactly what you want to accomplish and work from the final result back to the original idea and determine the steps necessary to arrive at that ideal ending. You can work backwards for everything from a successful first round of midterms to securing your ideal internship. Visualize what you want and figure out what you honestly need to do to get there.

4. 

Share your goals- be annoying and tell your friends and family your plans, no matter how big or small. If they’re in the loop and know why you’re working so hard or focusing so intently, they can help keep you on track, remind you of what’s most important to you when you’re fading, and give you that necessary but appreciated dose of tough love.

5. 

Think short and long-term- your goals can and should be for both now and the not-so-distant future. Think of what you want for your semester, year, and ultimate college experience. What do you need to do and who can help you make these visions become real. If you’re already a second semester senior, you have one semester to accomplish that bucket list so no more wasting time!

Even if you don’t completely overhaul your life or bad habits, a small change is better than no change at all. Celebrate your accomplishments and continue to reformulate your mental vision board as you continue to complete objectives and think of new goals. Best of luck in 2012 with whatever it is that you want to achieve! 

Libby is a junior studying journalism and sociology. You may contact her at epappas@wisc.edu.