Many distractions and challenges in our lives threaten to throw us off our path, or keep us from knowing what our path is. Setting explicit goals for success and tracking our progress toward them is a way to increase our chances of finding the success we hope for.
The main point of setting goals is to help you take realistic steps to achieve them. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely in order to keep you on track for success.
Tips on goal setting:
Set “positive” goals
Be specific as possible
Break big goals into small steps
Make sure your goals are realistic
Write down your goals
Track your progress
Celebrate when your goals are achieved
Keep a calendar, whether digital or on paper. Calendars have a way of reminding you of the tasks you once thought were important, and you can even color-code them to reveal where you are spending most of your time--whether on studying, social time, extracurriculars, etc.
Schedule study time for classes in advance. Studying over time is a much better plan for success on tests than cramming the week or night before. Give your brain time to digest information, and you’ll be surprised how much better you know the material–not just for the test, but for a lifetime of knowledge.
Prioritize the most important tasks. Determine which tasks every day are most important to you, and add them first on your list. For example, if you know you have a major project due in a week, you might want to prioritize brainstorming for that project and save the easier homework for later.
Create good habits, like reviewing notes each night before bed. Looking over information before bed can help the content absorb in your mind, so make it a habit to review notes for your hardest classes before you go to sleep.
Say Something App Reporting System (SS-ARS) students and adults can easily and completely confidentially report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies. Tips can be submitted 24/7 through the website, app or by phone, and a crisis center reviews and sends all submissions to law enforcement and/or school administration for intervention.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress around COVID-19.
Partners Crisis Line (mental health referrals-multiple languages) 1-888-235-HOPE (4673).
DayMark Mobile Engagement (Mental Health Crisis 24/7) 1-866-275-9552
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline : 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 2252