How to set Short Term Study Goals

What are Short Term Study Goals?

If you thought graduation is your only aim, you’re in for a surprise. These are study goals you want to achieve in a short amount of time. It can be daily, weekly or even monthly. They are made up of smaller goals which will help you with your ultimate objective – completing your course. Short term goals you can set include: 

• Studying a short course
• Getting good marks in your assessments
• Completing one assignment at a time
• Studying a chapter each day

How to set Short Term Study Goals

Creating a list of things you want to achieve is not enough when setting goals. You need to put both thought and effort into knowing what it is you are working towards. Below are useful ways on how to set short term goals:

• Identify short term and long term goals
• Be realistic
• Get a headstart
• Think SMART
• Keep track of your goals
• Review your goals

Identify Short Term and Long Term Goals

When thinking of the short term, you need to identify long term study goals too. You need to consider how these goals will both help and affect one another. So having an understanding of the two will make it easier to work towards.

Be Realistic

We know there are a lot of things you want to achieve. But you need to filter out what you want to do with what you can do. If your goals are unrealistic, there is a high chance that you will fail to achieve them. It might not seem like an issue now, but it can impact your success.

Get a Headstart 

Short term goals are things you can do quickly. This is preferably in the near future. So try to get a headstart on your goals. The longer you take to start, the more time it will take to complete. Once you’ve ticked this off the list, this gives you a chance to focus on your other goals.

Think SMART

Want an easy method on creating study goals? Then follow the SMART strategy. This is a great way to help you set goals that will be easy to achieve. It acts as the perfect guide that can be applied to a variety of ways. Your goals need to be:

• Specific 
• Measureable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-bound

Keep Track of Your Goals

Don’t leave your goals up in the air. Keep track of them by making notes of your progress. You can keep a diary of your goals and list everything you have completed and have yet to achieve. This will help you stay focused and on track.

Review Your Goals

After achieving your goals, don’t forget about them. Take a look at the obstacles you might have faced when trying to reach them. What changes did you make? Did you come up with useful solutions? You can apply this feedback to your next set of goals.