A Guide: How to set achievable goals at university

University life can be daunting and its journey unclear. With so many possibilities and opportunities at an arms’ reach, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or lost without direction. 

However, this can easily be alleviated through careful planning. Goals can serve as a roadmap for academic success, personal growth, and career preparation. The aim is to make university life not only productive but also rewarding.  

Tip #1   

My first piece of advice would be to ensure your goals are as specific as possible. This means that clear outcomes should be defined. Instead of a vague goal like: “improve my Spanish”, a specific goal would be: “do Duolingo each day for 30 minutes after lunch."  

Since the time frame is specified, it is more likely to be completed every day. 

Tip #2 

Another crucial step when setting specific goals is identifying your purpose.  

Finding your purpose will help you accomplish your goals because it will give them more value. By attributing the reason of wanting to know more languages being to improve your CV, then you would be more motivated in achieving that goal since it has now become part of your pursuit of a career. This is just an example and can be applied in all areas of life, whether it be academic or personal. 

Tip #3 

Break your goals down into actionable steps. By breaking down your goal into smaller steps, it becomes easier to complete it within the given time frame. Building at least an initial plan will give you a starting point.  

For instance, if your goal is to get an internship at Google, your first three ‘mini goals’ could be: check Google’s website to learn about their purpose and values; research Google’s interview process and take notes; and polish resume. Create a checklist for your ‘mini goals’, check them off and gradually build momentum to help you tackle bigger goals. 

Tip #4 

Categorise your goals and maintain balance. Organisation is key to achieving your goals, which is why categorising them can make a big difference. Make sure to group your goals into categories like academics, personal growth, or health, as this creates a clear map that you can focus on without feeling too overwhelmed.

Prioritising certain goals over others at certain points in time can help avoid or at least reduce your stress. 

Tip #5 

Integrating self-care is essential in our daily lives to maintain overall balance. Goals can be paired with forms of self-care. After completing a goal, you can watch your favourite show, go out with a friend for dinner, or have your favourite sweet treat to not only reward yourself but motivate yourself to continue achieving more goals. Remind yourself that it’s okay if some goals take longer or need re-adjustment. Setbacks can be learning experiences which can help you adapt without losing sight of the bigger picture. 

Tip #6 

Finally, visualisation is key, or should I say manifestation? Many are sceptical of the powers that manifestation possesses, perhaps due to a lack of scientific evidence or a misunderstanding of the concept.  

Despite this, I am here to tell you that even though you might not believe in manifestation and view it as a ‘mystical force’, I believe that your ability to visualise your goal can make or break it.  

It is not about wishing for things to happen but rather reinforcing your commitment to your goal. By actively picturing yourself achieving the goal, you’re training your mind to stay focused. Visualise each step within your goal as well, not only the desired outcome.  

Goal setting at university doesn’t have to be daunting. By making goals specific, realistic, and well-organised you can create a clear path to success. Remember to celebrate small wins and most importantly be patient and kind to yourself as you grow.