Returning to school is an empowering decision, and the excitement of embarking on this new journey is often accompanied by a flood of questions: “How long will this take? Can I balance everything? Will I succeed?” Setting realistic, achievable goals from the beginning can transform these uncertainties into clear stepping stones toward success. With the right planning, persistence, and self-compassion, you can unlock pathways to enriching, fulfilling college experiences while meeting short- and long-term goals.
Why Goal-Setting Matters
As an adult learner, you’ll have a clearer sense of what you want to achieve from your education, whether it’s to advance your career, switch fields, or fulfill a personal aspiration. For me, I wanted to make a career change to make more money, pursue my deeper interests, and expand my skills and knowledge.
However, returning to school as an adult often means balancing multiple responsibilities, from family to work to community commitments. Setting specific, attainable goals helps you prioritize and manage your time effectively, making your journey less overwhelming and more manageable. Keep in mind that it is better to set a long-term target, like completing an associate degree, but focusing on the smaller steps along the way, such as completing your financial aid forms, applying to the college, registering for your first classes, and the assignments each week.
You’ll quickly find, just as I did, that it only seems like it will take a long time before you get started. Once you start, it’s over sooner than you realize, and you’ll begin looking at the next steps, like transferring for a bachelor’s degree or even seeking an advanced degree in graduate school. But everything starts with a commitment to start, and your first goal is to commit to starting the processes that will lay the foundation for your return to school.
Realistic goals provide you with a roadmap, giving you a sense of direction and purpose. They keep you motivated, allowing you to see steady progress, even if it’s just one small step at a time. Achieving these goals can bolster your confidence and remind you that you’re fully capable of reaching the finish line—no matter how many other responsibilities you may be juggling.
Start Small: Breaking Down Big Goals into Manageable Steps
When setting goals for your college journey, it can be tempting to dive in and aim for major milestones right away, like graduating in a short time frame or achieving a perfect GPA. However, it’s often more productive to break down these larger goals into smaller, more manageable ones that you can achieve steadily.
For example:
- Focus on Course Completion: Instead of focusing on graduating as quickly as possible, start with a goal to complete one course at a time successfully. Each course completed is a step closer to your degree, and it’s easier to manage short-term goals than a distant finish line.
- Set Weekly or Monthly Milestones: If you’re taking multiple classes, set goals for assignments, readings, or study hours each week. These smaller milestones add up and keep you on track.
- Prioritize Learning Over Perfection: Rather than setting a goal for perfect grades, aim for a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This can reduce stress and keep you focused on what matters most—gaining knowledge and skills that will benefit you in the long run.
Each small achievement builds momentum and provides a foundation for the next. By taking things one step at a time, you’ll reach your ultimate goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Be Flexible and Adjust Goals as Needed
Life is unpredictable, and as an adult learner, you might encounter unexpected obstacles along the way. It’s essential to be flexible with your goals and recognize that adjusting them doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re adapting. If you find that your original timeline isn’t feasible due to work or family responsibilities, don’t hesitate to adjust your pace or priorities.
Setbacks are a normal part of any journey, and resilience is key. Consider building in some flexibility to your goals:
- Adjust Your Course Load: If a full course load becomes too much, consider taking fewer classes each semester or exploring online or part-time options.
- Extend Deadlines When Necessary: Rather than dropping out, give yourself permission to take a bit longer to complete your program. There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for achieving your dreams.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every achievement along the way, no matter how small. Staying focused on what you’ve accomplished, rather than what remains, can keep you motivated and uplifted.
Use S.M.A.R.T. Goals to Keep on Track
One effective way to set achievable goals is by using the SMART criteria:
- Specific: Define your goals clearly. Instead of saying, “I want to succeed in school,” specify, “I want to complete all assignments on time and maintain at least a B average.”
- Measurable: Make sure your goals can be tracked. This could mean setting a target number of study hours per week or aiming to finish a set number of chapters each month.
- Achievable: Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically accomplish. Setting an achievable goal, like attending one study session each week, helps maintain steady progress.
- Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your personal values and broader ambitions. If your main goal is career advancement, focus on courses and skills that will directly impact your professional growth.
- Time-Bound: Set deadlines, even for smaller tasks. Having a timeline keeps you accountable and helps prevent procrastination.
By structuring your goals in a SMART way, you create a clear, realistic framework to keep you focused, motivated, and progressing.
Finding Motivation in Purposeful Goals
Beyond setting achievable goals, it’s essential to remind yourself why you’re pursuing this journey in the first place. Revisiting your core motivations—whether it’s a better future for your family, personal growth, or a career change—can reignite your enthusiasm on tough days. Consider writing down your “why” somewhere visible, or keeping a journal to track both your progress and the reasons that drive you.
Sometimes, reflecting on the impact of your journey can be as motivating as reaching the end goal. Each step you take serves as an investment in yourself, setting an example for others, and contributing to a legacy of resilience and commitment. Every assignment, exam, and course completion is a testament to your dedication and a reminder of the power of lifelong learning.
Take Pride in Every Milestone Reached
Returning to school is a journey of perseverance and growth, and each milestone you reach—no matter how small—deserves to be celebrated. Give yourself credit for the progress you make, even if it doesn’t always seem fast enough. Each achievement is a step closer to a goal that can transform your life, and you’re stronger, more capable, and closer than you were yesterday.
Remember, setting realistic goals for your college journey isn’t about limiting yourself. It’s about creating a path that allows you to move forward in a sustainable, balanced way. You’re not only achieving an education; you’re creating a brighter future for yourself and those who look up to you. Keep moving forward, and trust in the power of each step along the way!
