The word, goals, is overused. It becomes annoying to hear because we have heard over and over again about SMART goals. The back-to-school season marks a fresh start for students, offering an opportunity to have new aspirations. Whether you’re starting a new school year, embarking on a college journey, or pursuing further studies, you have an idea of what you want to achieve. But do you need to set goals? Writing down your aspirations powerful exercise to guide you on the path to success and to staying motivated throughout the academic year.
Victory: achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties – Merriam Webster
Instead of setting goals and following an overused acronym let’s think of our aspirations as victories. The word implies there has been a struggle to achieve something. It’s a much more powerful word, than goals.
In my book, Victory is Yours, students get the opportunity through multiple activities to think about what they want to achieve in the short term and long term by using the right AND left side of the brain. This is the perfect way to talk about what they want to achieve during the new school year and beyond. Students write their victories in past tense as if they have achieved them, instantly instilling a positive connection in the brain. Next, students state why the victory is important to them and the strategies they can use to overcome the struggle. Then, next to the word, mentor, they state who they will turn to for help. We all need help in achieving greatness. It’s important to know who you can to to when needed. Finally, using the right side of the brain, students create a visual for their victories.
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When students write about their victories it provides a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation. Writing about their aspirations in this way will help them be clear and specific about what they want and how they’re gonna get it as well as who can help them get it. They will have something to strive for, which leads to increased focus and productivity. Moreover, well-defined objectives helps students break down larger aspirations into manageable tasks, making it easier to track progress.
TYPES OF VICTORIES
Academic
Grade Improvement: Identify the subjects that pose a challenge and set specific targets for improvement.
Study Habits: Focus on developing effective study habits, such as regular revision, time management, and avoiding procrastination. Our Learn Like a Ninja book will help you take control of your study habits!
Involvement in Class: Aim to actively participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material.
Personal Development
Skill Acquisition: Identify skills you wish to develop outside the classroom, such as public speaking, leadership, or coding.
Health and Well-being: Prioritize physical and mental well-being by setting aside time for exercise, relaxation, and self-care.
Time Management: Learn to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life efficiently. The Let’s Get it Together book is perfect for helping you analyze your time and taking control.
Social
Building Relationships: Make an effort to connect with classmates, professors, and other individuals who can positively impact your academic journey.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of collaboration by actively participating in group projects and activities.
Long-term Career
Career Exploration: Research potential career paths and seek internships or volunteer opportunities related to your interests. The newest release from Student Futures, The Volunteering and Internship Guide , will help you explore different fields and get the experiences you need to succeed.
Networking: Begin networking early by attending career fairs and industry events.
Staying Motivated
Celebrate Milestones: Treat yo self! Acknowledge and reward yourself for achieving milestones on your academic journey.
Track Progress: Regularly review your goals and assess your progress. Adjust them if needed to stay on track.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors, teachers, or counselors if you face challenges. Our Don’t Worry. Be Happy. workbook has lots of activities to help defeat stress and anxiety.
You Got This!
Now, that we’re back in school it’s beneficial to write about victories instead of goals. It’s is a valuable process that can significantly impact academic and personal growth. Through analyzing victories students focusing on academics, personal development, social connections, and long-term career aspirations, creating a roadmap for success. Remember, staying motivated and committed to the victories is just as crucial as initially writing them. Embrace the new school year with determination, and you’ll pave the way for a successful and fulfilling journey ahead.
