Thursday, June 5, 2008

Can Goal Setting be used to Complete Your Education

There is a wise saying that says it is never too late to follow your dreams. This is especially true when it comes to completing your post high school college degree. Several adults drop out of college for different reasons and then wish later that they had finished their degrees. The truth is that you can still complete your college degree no matter what your age or circumstances. This is where goal setting will help you attain your dreams.

A college degree can enhance your life in ways that you can't even imagine. Not only will it give you more options in your life, it will also help raise your sense of self-worth and self-confidence. That in itself will have large payoffs. Statistically those with a bachelor's degree will earn about $1,000,000 more in their lifetimes than those who don't. That's a huge plus for finishing your degree.

Goal setting for returning to college to finish your degree requires several steps in order to be successful. First, make a list of all of the obstacles you are facing to complete your goal. Secondly, brainstorm ideas for overcoming those obstacles. Each person's circumstances are different. However, there are some basic goal setting ideas that apply to just about every one.

First, most states have a two year community college system. If you live close to a major city, there is most often one within driving distance. Many returning students begin there. The reason is that it's less costly as a four year college or university. Set an appointment to converse with a counselor at the school nearest you. This person should be able to assist you with your goal setting by outlining options.

One of the advantages of the community college system is that you don't have to have a high school diploma to be able to attend. All you have to be is eighteen and older. Be sure and include this option in your goal setting.

The next step in your goal setting to is to decide which option is most beneficial for you. Many colleges and universities give the choice of online degree programs for those people who don't have easy access to a college campus. You might keep in mind the combining of online and classroom classes. Again, a counselor will be able to assist you. Just make sure that the courses you have opted for are transferable to the degree that you have chosen as your goal.

Finding the time in your busy adult schedule is an obstacle that you will face in goal setting. You will require the help and assistance of your family and friends to attain your goal. Make sure everyone in your family is onboard and supports you. Everybody will have to make sacrifices, but they won't be insurmountable.

Goal setting should involve everybody in your family. They need to have some ownership in your goal. Sit down with your family and look over the individual days and the weeks in your schedule. You will find the time if you try hard enough.

The good news is that you have many more choices available to you in your goal setting than were available even a few years ago. Evening classes are usually offered. There are also some colleges that offer weekend classes for working adults. Many colleges and universities are now providing accelerated courses where you focus on only one or two classes at a time until those are finished.

Most colleges have support groups available for adults who are returning to school after long periods of time. Take advantage of them. They can offer resources that you probably weren't aware of in your initial planning. Remember, are able to attain your goal of a college degree and goal setting will help you reach your dream.

Dick Ingersoll is an eternal student, and is fired up to share what he is learning with others. He has pulled it all together for you at: Simple Goal Setting

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