Thinking Differently About Goals

Setting goals for yourself in life is one of the most important things you can do to be successful. If you want to succeed, you've got to make your goals specific and realistic. Here's an example:

You may want to get a Master's degree within 5-6 years and then go teach ceramics at Ohio State University before you're 28 years old. This goal is specific, but not realistic. You could get an M.F.A. close to that time frame, but you're chances of going from grad school to teaching in Ohio State's prestigious ceramics program is severely low.

The Ohio State University Ceramics program will review only 50 applications per year and accepts only 4 applicants into the program! If it's that difficult to get into as a student, how difficult must it be then to teach there?

It's more realistic to make short term goals that lead to your long term goal. Instead of hoping to land that dream spot at OSU right out of grad school, make your goal simply to teach at a nearby college so that you will have the experience needed to make a run at the OSU position.

Setting goals for yourself isn't about making huge leaps and bounds. To reach any big goal you must take a series of small steps. For example, getting a baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.S., or B.F.A.) is the big goal. As you know just wanting one and making a goal to get one in 4 years doesn't mean you're going to get it. Baccalaureate degrees have prerequisites, smaller requirements. First you have to take English Comp I and II, Biology I and II, etc. then you start taking courses that are specifically related to your major.

By taking big goals and breaking them down into the little goals that they actually are will relieve a ton of stress for you. So, remember to:

• Keep your goals specific
• Be realistic
• Break big goals down into smaller ones

College Advice

College Advice

I just want to keep this little intro short and sweet. This is a brand spanking new blog and this is the first post. What I hope for this site is that I give you advice that enhances your college experience in every way imaginable. Choosing the right college for you, your goals and your personality is a big decision. I want to relieve the stress surrounding these issues so that you can make a clear, concise decision that will lead to happiness and satisfaction with your choices. Anything is fair game here from college relationships to making out your schedule. I will also be glad to answer any questions submitted in the comments section. I hope that you guys like find the college advice need here.