Unlike academic dreams, which can last a long time, educational goals actually come true - in a shorter amount of time. For example, you can set learning goals every night, write them down in a list, and put them in a place where you can see them every morning. You can make many of these "to-do" lists, but it's essential to make your list as specific and detailed as possible. For example, instead of writing down "Finish biology homework for Thursday," try breaking it down by writing step-by-step instructions on your list. As an example,
you could write,
Read Biology Chapter 7, pages 556-568
Review the notes taken during class for the lecture regarding this homework.
Read the homework assignment, do exercises 1-5
Take a short break between 8am and 9am.
Do problems 6-10.
Breaking down your original goal to "finish biology homework for Thursday," you've now created an achievable step-by-step flowchart of how to complete your assignment. Writing down a list of your academic goals every night has several benefits. First, for the list, you need to think about the exact sequence of actions you need to take to achieve your goal. Second, listing them every night can help you think about what needs to be completed in the next few days. Third, writing a detailed step-by-step list of how to achieve a goal will help you mentally prepare yourself for reaching that goal later.
Finally, you can have a specific list in your hand the next day so that you can see your goal as something that is easily achievable. It may seem like a daunting task to see the words "finish biology homework for Thursday," but breaking it down makes it easier and simpler to get it done.
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