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So it’s a brand new year, all shiny and full of hope and good intentions.
Setting New Year’s goals is a tradition supported by academic research on independent learning (see Harvey & Chickie-Wolfe, 2007, Ch.1). Setting goals and maintaining goal-directed behaviour can improve study effectiveness (Harvey & Chickie-Wolfe, 2007).
If you are thinking of setting goals for 2015, Here are eight ways to make goals stick (modified from Wilson and Dobson, 2008, Ch.1):
- Write down your goals.
- Make goals achievable.
- Describe your goals in specific, measurable terms.
- Visualise both the pathway to your goals and the goals themselves.
- Look for potential problems that might keep you from achieving your goals.
- Take action to remove or minimise potential problems.
- Regularly review progress towards achieving your goals.
- Know the personal rewards of achieving your goals.
For more advice, QUT Library has a great range of videos and books on how to set effective goals.
References:
Harvey, V. S., & Chickie-Wolfe, L. A. (2007). Fostering independent learning: Practical strategies to promote student success. New York: Guilford Publications. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com.
Wilson, S. B., & Dobson, M. S. (2008). Goal setting: How to create an action plan and achieve your goals. New York: American Management Association. Retrieved from http://www.eblib.com.
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