Although the leaves on the trees are gone and everything outside looks stark and bleak, this time of year can be a time for growth. Personal growth can begin at any time of the year, but a new semester is the perfect time to refocus goals and a commitment to learning. Setting learning goals can begin with a simple reflection about your last semester. Did you achieve deep learning? Did you prioritize learning over other parts of your life? Did you finish the semester feeling proud of the work you completed? 

If the answers to the above questions satisfy you, then you have nothing to change as the new semester begins. However, if any of your responses cause you pause, then you have the opportunity to make some changes before the new semester begins. The first step to making a change is to decide on one or two long term goals. A long term goal can last for several months and it takes small incremental steps to achieve the goal. Focusing on just a couple of goals will help you prioritize and make progress. 

You can begin by setting a long term goal and then making a plan on how to best achieve it. For example, if you know that you tend to procrastinate with assignments and would like to change that habit, you need to create a plan that will motivate you to complete assignments early. Perhaps you can create your own due dates that allow for extra time to complete the assignment days before it is actually due. And, if you succeed, create a reward system. Rewards can come in any form. You know what you like, so make a list of some of the rewards that might motivate you to complete your assignments by your “own due date.” 

Create a daily schedule, one that is reasonable and therefore doable. Sticking to a schedule will help you form a habit. Daily habits will help you reach your long-term goals. You can begin by doing an examination of how you spend your time each day. Many believe they have no time in their day to add another task; they already feel overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Yet, if you take some time to examine each minute of your day, you may begin to see things that need to be changed and where you might consolidate your time. Maybe you spend too much time scrolling on your phone, watching TV or hanging out with friends. These activities do not need to be eliminated, but you can begin to put a time limit on how long you do each one. 

Once you’ve examined how you already spend your time and understand where you can add opportunities to work on assignments, create a schedule. Write it down and make it visible. You are in charge of creating the schedule, so create one that makes you happy. A schedule that allows you to take short breaks throughout the day. One that allows time to focus and accomplish and time to refresh and relax. The schedule does not need to be to the minute, but you should set aside blocks of time to work on school work. Time when you are energized and ready and open to new learning. Do you work better in the morning? Would you rather work after dinner? Or do you prefer short increments of school work throughout the day? 

Only a very small percentage of people keep their resolutions throughout the year. But, don’t look at setting a learning goal as a resolution. A learning goal can become a way of life if you create one that motivates you. A goal that will make you feel proud of yourself if you keep it. Taking small steps towards the goal can be a simple change. Focus on one course or just one assignment. Any small change will benefit you.