Ever started a new year with big learning goals, only to forget about them by February? You’re not alone. Setting study goals is easy. Sticking to them? Now, that’s the real challenge. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! This guide will help you create learning goals that actually work. Ready? On your marks, get set, GO!
1. Start with Your Why
Why do you want to learn this skill? Is it for career growth, personal development, or just curiosity? Knowing your why keeps you motivated when things get tough. Write it down and place it somewhere visible – your study desk, phone wallpaper, or even your mirror.
2. Make Your Goals SMART
A vague goal like “I want to study more” won’t cut it. Instead, make it SMART:
- Specific – What exactly do you want to learn?
- Measurable – How will you track progress?
- Achievable – Be realistic. Don’t overload yourself.
- Relevant – Does this goal align with your bigger plans?
- Time-bound – Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable.
Example: “I will complete an Excel course on Verticul within one month to help with my job as a Data Intern, and then practice for one hour daily. I will track my progress by creating a learning report sheet.” Now that’s a solid learning goal!
3. Create a Study Plan
A good study guide makes all the difference. Break down your learning into small, manageable chunks. If you’re taking an online course, schedule lessons into your calendar. Pick a day of the week and a specific time where you are less likely to be distracted. Treat your study time like an important meeting because it is!
4. Find Study Methods That Work for You
Not everyone learns the same way. Try different study tips to see what sticks:
- Visual learner? Use mind maps and charts.
- Love to read? Create summaries and flashcards.
- Prefer hands-on learning? Practice what you learn immediately.
- Enjoy discussions? Join a study group or an online community.
5. Use the Right Study Tools
There are so many resources available to make studying easier:
- Pomodoro Technique – Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break.
6. Stay Accountable
Tell a friend, mentor, or online community about your learning goal. Check in weekly with your progress. This keeps you motivated and less likely to give up.
7. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins
Use a study tracker or journal to log your progress. When you hit milestones, reward yourself! Maybe it’s a coffee treat, a Netflix break, or just a wrap of suya. Celebrating small wins keeps you going.
8. Be Flexible and Adjust When Needed
Life happens. Sometimes you’ll miss a study session or struggle with a topic. That’s okay! Adjust your plan, but don’t quit. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s slow.
You Can Do This!
Setting learning goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right learning goal, study tips, and a bit of discipline, you can achieve anything. So, what’s your next big learning goal? Whatever it is, start today. And remember, Verticul is designed to make learning easy and smooth for you. Let’s do this!
What are your major struggles with keeping up with your learning? Mind sharing in the comments?
