How Goal Setting and Time Management Can Transform Students Success
Graduating from school to university presents both excitement and challenges. School life offers structured schedules, guidance from parents and teachers, while university life offers freedom, independence, and responsibility, requiring students to learn crucial skills.
During their first year, students should develop time management and goal-setting skills to balance personal and academic lives, create direction, and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
First-year students usually struggle with the new demands of university life. It is challenging for them to manage their time effectively between classes, study, do extracurriculars, and manage their personal lives; moreover, these students who still have not developed any kind of skills usually spend their time on unimportant tasks and then end up stressing about the delayed ones. To navigate these obstacles and have a smoother university life, students should start working on their fundamental soft skills and focus more on the two main skills.
The importance of time management:
A big workload and no clear structure make managing time essential, especially during the first year. “Time management is the process of planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks and activities to make the best use of your time. It involves setting goals, creating schedules, and making conscious choices about how to allocate your time to various tasks and responsibilities”. Students who use their time wisely will be able to finish tasks without hurrying at the last minute and keep up with their class while also making time for hobbies, friends, and rest, leading to a balanced university life.
Time-blocking is one of the effective techniques for time management; it involves focused work periods followed by breaks. For example, a student may set aside two hours each day to study and take brief breaks to unwind. This method helps keep focus and prevents tiredness. As a first-year student, this method was a turning point for me. It effectively helped me to set my priorities right and have enough time to finish my list without stressing.
Why Goal Setting is Essential:
Goal setting is a skill that involves identifying a specific target or outcome, breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks, and setting a timeline. It also plays a significant role as an aspect of time management and as a fundamental soft skill. It increases motivation and
Based on the workshop “Goal Setting & Time Management” delivered by Miss Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi on October 28, I learned about the SMART method. This approach to setting goals involves making sure that each goal is:
- Specific: Clearly defining what you want to achieve.
- Measurable: Ensuring there are criteria to track progress and completion.
- Achievable: Setting realistic goals within your reach.
- Relevant: Aligning goals with your broader objectives and values.
- Time-bound: Having a clear deadline or timeframe for each goal.
This workshop provided me with practical tools for goal setting and time management, which I can apply in my personal and professional life.
University is a place where students can turn their challenges into opportunities, but this transformation occurs when they are dedicated to improving their experience. They should view it as a chance for personal growth and to build a successful future for themselves.
Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab
Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita
