#2 SET GOALS
Well first, what is a goal? It’s a defined check point along a pathway of process. It is a defined point where time is taken to recognize the accomplishment of the diligence that was required to get you to where you are now.
I use goals for a very selfish reason: encouragement*. When no else thought alot about my studying habits, and when I felt as though I had more classwork than everyone else, goals that were accomplished brought a feeling of self-worth which is priceless.
Goals also keep you focused. I am a dreamer AND a day dreamer: two VERY bad combinations. In order to keep myself focused–or better yet, to keep myself moving forward and not getting lazy, bored and discouraged–I set small goals which lead up towards a large goal. The series of smaller, “quick-wins” boosts my conficdence and my mental score board which gives me the momentum and cheerleading necessary to attack the big goal. And then, I reward myself in a way that is equivilant to the big goal that I just accomplished. Was your goal to make a “B” on your first lab exam? If you made a high “B”, then treat yourself in a way that matters to you.
