Page 139 - Merritt College Student Handbook and Planner 2021-2022

COLLEEGGEESSUUCCECSESTSIPTSIPS Goal Planning
A goal is something you want to achieve.
A short-term goal is something you want to achieve soon.
Examples of short-term goals are finishing your homework and doing well on tomorrow’s test.
A long-term goal is something you want to achieve at some later date. Examples of long-term goals are writing a paper and passing a class.
To set appropriate goals, you must know what is important for you to accomplish. Then you must set specific and clearly stated goals. If you do not have clearly stated goals, your effort will lack direction and focus. It is important to write down both your short-term and long-term goals to have a record of them.
To help in this goal setting process, make sure each goal states the following:
• What you will do
• When you will accomplish it
• Always begin each goal with “I will...”
• For example: I will finish gathering information for my research paper (what) by November 20 (when).
Your goals should be:
• Within your skills and abilities. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you set goals you can accomplish.
• Realistic. Don’t try to do too much or too little.
• Flexible. Sometimes things will not go the way you anticipate and you may need to
change your goal.
• Measurable. It’s important to be able to measure your progress toward a goal. It’s especially important to recognize when you have accomplished your goal and need to go no further.
• Within your control. Other than working as part of a group, accomplishment of your goal should not depend on other students. You can control what you do, but you have little or no control over what others do.
Many times your parents and teachers will set goals for you. They can also help you accomplish these goals.
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