*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Over the years, as my study motivation grows and wanes, I have fallen in and out of the goal-setting phase. Here are some of the mistakes I’ve learnt to avoid while on my goal-setting endeavours as a university student. 1. Not Having a Clear Vision  It is easy to want something and become fixated on an idea, but not have a tangible goal in mind will never make this achievable. For example: wanting to get a better grade, setting a vague goal (although pure in intention) can lead to frustration and self-resentment.  How can you avoid this? Make your goal more specific. Like a “Karen” orders her Starbucks, make sure your goals are super clear and detailed. Don’t just set up a goal; set up whipped cream, double pump espresso with a caramel swirl kind of goal.  2. No Written Goals  Sometimes seeing is believing. While I appreciate a great vision board and manifestation practice, as a uni student, I don’t have the time (Okay, I like to procrastinate more). However, I do have an absurd stack of fresh post-it notes that work just as well! Physically writing down your goal makes it more official and is a way to hold yourself accountable.  Also, written goals are portable! Carry them around in your planner, to class, or on the bus! Keeping your written goals somewhere in plain sight is also a good way of keeping track and not forgetting that you are working towards something. 3. Not Setting a Deadline Here’s the thing, if our assignments were due right at the end of the semester, what’s the bet that we leave everything till the last minute? It’s only a student's nature!  If you want to complete this goal, you need to add a ~dash~ of time pressure. Just a dash, not too much and not too little. For example, if your goal is to finish a chapter of your textbook – give yourself at least a couple of days to get through the content. You are your own boss, so make sure to push yourself and accommodate time to make these new improvements. Catch yourself slacking off on the job? Add in a reward and punishment system. 4. Not Having an Action Plan How many goals have fallen through because you take on everything all at once? Or you’ve been so overwhelmed that you don’t even start? Cue the action plan, give yourself some time to figure out exactly how you plan to achieve this goal and what help you will need along the way. If, for example, you have a health and fitness goal, it might be wise to talk to a personal trainer. You might look into different workout options and figure out how much time and what equipment you might need to get you started. 5. Your Goals Don't Excite You. Time to Marie Kondo your goal, does it even spark joy? If you find yourself shuddering at the thought of completing your goals, perhaps it’s time to rephrase and create goals that you want to ace.  Some things to think about: Is your goal big enough? Why do you need to fulfil this goal? Will completing this goal make you happy? Still no Joy? Let it go.     6. Your Goals are Not Yours. Case of the copycat syndrome, you’ve fallen into the comparison trap and can’t get out. Oh no. Once you’ve realised you’ve been doing this, re-evaluate what you want. Is that goal your cup of tea? Or would you prefer to work on something else? Once you come to terms with what you want, make sure to break down your new goal using steps 1-4 as a guide. 7. You're Ignoring Other Areas in Your Life.  While you might be crushin’ goals in specific areas of your life, balancing out your goals and setting goals in other areas of your life can boost your self-confidence and allow you to become a better version of yourself! Like trying to bake a cake with only one ingredient, setting goals in only one area of your life will only get you so far. Extend yourself further and learn more about yourself by setting goals beyond your current comfort zone and vision. 8. Your goals are not realistic (yet!) Keep on dreamin’ big! While your current goals may not be attainable at the moment (or humanely possible), dial back your goals to something within your reach. If your goal is to become CEO of a company, you’ll need to get a job there first before climbing up the ranks. Are you working towards your fitspiration? Ensure that you are fully informed, have the correct knowledge, fitness regime, and a coach to keep you motivated. Yes, your goals should scare you a little, but if they make you feel overwhelmed, then you don’t have a goal; you have a deterrent. 9. Giving up when you fail. Goal setting is about making progress, pushing forward, and getting closer to your idealized goal, step by step. University is full of distractions and unpredictability, from almost forgotten tests and assignments, battling due dates, and spending way longer than expected researching and referencing. Uni life is hard, and a consistent linear progression is an impossible standard to set for yourself. You will have your rough days and nope days, so take them as they come and adjust your goal as necessary! 10. Not reviewing your progress and adjusting your goals  How do you know if you are working towards achieving your goals if you don’t have a check-in now and then? Have a check-in with yourself and celebrate all your wins! Even if that means praising yourself for actually setting a goal! You’ve made the first step, and you should be proud of yourself. If you’ve found you’ve over or under extended yourself and your abilities, take a step back and refocus. With a clear mindset, you’ll smash those goals!  Goal setting can be a minefield; from actually setting a goal and avoiding all the distractions along the way, it can be a challenge!  As long as you have the right intentions and a good plan in mind, you’ll be able to tackle those goals in no time! If in doubt, keep swingin’!  - Eleanor Almeida, Nxtstep Content Writer