Your goal of getting your college degree through distance education might seem at times like you bit off more than you can chew. A college degree IS a big goal. We want to show you how your biggest goal can become your biggest achievement. Here are a few of our Goal Setting secrets for success in distance education.
1. Break Down Your Long-Term Goal into short-term goals that are specific, measurable, challenging, attainable and targeted with deadlines. The following outline is an example of a good short-term goal:
- Pass General Psychology Exam
- Order module
- Determine study times and remain consistent
- Register for exam
- Take exam
2. Lay The Price of Commitment... A goal without commitment is merely a dream. A real goal is precious because it is your innermost expectation, desire, or hope. Therefore, it will require planning, sacrifice, hard work, and willingness to fail. A goal challenges you to stretch your boundaries farther than you believe possible. This is where the stumbling blocks to your success come in. You may doubt your decision and possibly your ability. You may say, "I don't have the time." "My child is sick." "I'm having financial difficulties." "I'm having to work more." "This external degree is just not for me."
Don't let these road blocks/excuses prevent you from reaching your goal! People who are unwilling to pay the price now miss the satisfaction and reward later. You have already decided that obtaining your college degree is worth it. Now, just remain focused and devoted and you'll achieve it.
3. Don't Fight With Failure - Learn From It! If you have failed to reach a goal, learn to find the lessons it has for you. Possible lessons are:
- You need to try harder next time.
- Your technique, skills, and knowledge need to improve.
- Your short-term goal was unrealistic.
* Get Your Not-So-Secret Rewards! By setting goals you will be able to...
- Achieve more
- Improve performance
- Increase your motivation to achieve
- Increase your pride and satisfaction in your achievements
- Improve your self-confidence
- Practice eliminating attitudes that hold you back and cause unhappiness
4. Research has shown that people who effectively use goal-setting...
- Suffer less from stress and anxiety
- Concentrate better
- Show more self-confidence
- Perform better
- Are happier and more satisfied