Should My Child Use a Timeline When Setting a Goal?

Asked by Robert in our Parent Webinar series.

Thank you, Robert, for a great question on whether timelines should be used by students when setting effective goals. The short answer is yes, students should generally attach a timeline to any goal they set. This is one of the ways you can ensure they stay on track and feel confident in their ability to achieve their objective. But this isn't the only consideration; the other factor is goal desirability. Here's a breakdown of how these elements play a role in academic goal setting:

Why Every Goal Needs a Timeline

Goals with specific timelines are much more likely to lead to action. This is because deadlines create a sense of urgency, making it more likely for students to focus and get started. Without a deadline, goals tend to lose urgency and are often put off.

For example, if a student was given an assignment and told to submit whenever they wanted, they'd probably relax or procrastinate, doing anything but the assignment. When deadlines are present, the pressure increases, prompting action. This is even more true if the deadline is close. Luckily, most goals that students will set in an academic context will have a deadline associated with it, e.g. a final exam date or assignment submission deadline.

The Power of Desire in Goal Setting

Psychologists refer to the desire or importance of the goal as valence. Simply put, if a student wants something badly enough, they’ll be motivated to take the necessary actions.

When helping your child set academic goals, make sure the goals resonate with them. Instead of pushing them toward goals that might seem important to you, encourage them to focus on goals that align with their interests or long-term aspirations. The more desirable the goal, the more likely they are to be motivated to take action to pursue it.

Turning Long-Term Goals into Actionable Steps

Meeting long-term goals before a deadline, such as passing an important exam, can seem daunting. To make these goals more achievable, break them down into smaller, short-term goals with their own deadlines. These smaller goals could include tasks such as studying specific chapters, completing practice exams, or reviewing notes daily. By dividing the goal into smaller chunks, it becomes easier to manage and keeps the student motivated as they achieve small successes along the way.

Conclusion: Setting Effective Academic Goals for Success

Setting clear, actionable academic goals is key to a student's success. By focusing on goal desirability and deadlines, you can help your child stay motivated, organised, and ready to tackle any challenge. Encourage your child to break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, each with its own deadline. This approach will keep them on track and boost their confidence as they achieve each step along the way.

If you need help guiding your child through this process or need personalised strategies, consider working with a study coach who can assist in goal setting, time management, and motivation.