Goals

Summary

  • Set goals based on your own values: Ensure that your goals stem from your own values, needs, and dreams, and frame them in a positive way. For example, instead of focusing on avoiding procrastination, aim for a goal like completing your work on time.

  • Breaking down goals and setting concrete milestones: Larger goals should be broken down into concrete milestones that can be set as daily targets. Write down small steps that move you toward your goal and reward yourself both for progress and for making a good effort.

  • Patience and adapting to changes: There may be setbacks on the way to achieving your goals, but view them as learning experiences and accept that progress can sometimes be slow. Adjust your plan if necessary to better fit your life situation.

  • Practice planning and work step by step: Try exercises like writing a "study goal recipe" and creating a concrete action plan. Write down each step and keep track of what you need to complete each phase. This makes achieving your goals more structured and manageable.

You can read the full article below.

It is important that your goals originate from you, are set by yourself, and stem from your own values, needs, and dreams. Depending on these, your goals may be long-term or short-term. Define your goals in a way that moves you toward where you want to go. A key aspect is to have a positive goal rather than focusing on avoiding something. For example, instead of setting a goal like “I must not miss deadlines anymore,” you could say, “I want to complete my work on time.”

Working with goals takes practice. Sometimes progress is slow, and setbacks are a natural part of the process.

Towards Your Own Goals

  • Think of a concrete main goal and how it relates to your values, needs, or dreams. Define it as precisely as possible and write it down.
  • Your goal should be as specific and concrete as possible. Make sure it is also realistic—something you can genuinely achieve within the timeframe you have set.

Tips for Achieving Your Goals

  • Once you have a larger goal in mind, break it down into the smallest possible steps—these are your milestones. Write them down.
  • A broad goal, such as “finishing an essay,” can be broken into smaller, concrete daily milestones. For example, “writing 100 words by 3 PM.”
  • List the small steps that will lead to your milestones. Consider what you can do tomorrow, next week, next month, or in six months. Move forward one milestone at a time.
  • Reward yourself not only for achievements but also for good effort!
  • You are the expert in your own life, but don’t hesitate to seek and accept support when working towards your goals.
  • Accept unexpected changes and setbacks as part of life. Progress isn’t always linear, but setbacks can be valuable learning experiences.
  • A certain level of planning is beneficial. Solve one thing at a time and take small steps forward. This makes even big goals achievable. If you struggle to get started, break the steps down even further.
  • Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and obstacles arise. Don’t get discouraged—review your plan, adjust where needed, and keep moving forward.

Be patient and kind to yourself. Change often takes time and requires multiple attempts. Remind yourself that you are good enough just as you are.

Exercises

  • Create your own study goal recipe
    A larger goal might be “finishing an essay.” A small and concrete milestone for one day could be “writing 100 words by 3 PM.” Think about it like following a recipe when cooking. Before a dish is ready, you need to complete many small steps, such as turning on the oven and chopping ingredients. Apply this same approach to your studies.

    • What study task is your “dish”?
    • What small steps make up the “recipe” for completing it?
    • Write it down in a recipe format.
  • Create an action plan
    • Choose a goal (e.g., a specific study task).
    • Break it down step by step—these steps become your milestones.
    • Write down when you will complete each milestone.
    • Specify what exactly you will do (e.g., for a writing task: “search for sources”).
    • Think about who can help or where to find support (e.g., library staff for research materials).

By structuring your goals into clear steps, you make them more manageable and achievable!

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