Rachel Hodis
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Goal-Setting for Success

Start the new year strong: Goal-setting for success

The new year is a natural time to reflect and set goals for the year ahead. The key to long-term success, though, is to focus on smaller, measurable goals rather than grand resolutions without any planning. We’ve got a few tips to help you set goals that will stick!

1. Make Your Goals More Specific

It’s fine to start with broad resolutions, but try to hone in on what you actually want to achieve. By making your goals specific, you’re giving yourself a target to hit. This makes it more likely for you to succeed.

  • Broad goal: Get better grades
  • More specific goal: Improve all classes by one letter grade
  • Broad goal: Get in shape
  • More specific goal: Run three miles

2. Make It Measurable

Making a goal measurable gives you a number or figure to work towards and a point of comparison. To do this, ask yourself: How will I know I’ve succeeded?

The Goal: Improve all classes by one letter grade

Make it measurable:

  • Earn a B or higher in every class on my final report card
  • Increase my GPA from 3.0 to 3.5 by the end of the term

The Goal: Run three miles

Make it measurable:

  • Finish a 3-mile run without stopping or walking by March 31
  • Finish a 3-mile run in 45-minutes or less

3. Be Honest With Yourself

There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but goals only work if they’re possible given your current situation. That’s when you want to assess your goals and ensure they’re attainable and realistic.

Take Stock of Where You Are Right Now

Before committing to a goal, it’s important to do an honest check-in. Ask yourself:

  • What does my schedule actually look like?
  • How much time can I realistically dedicate each week?
  • What skills or habits do I already have?
  • What challenges am I dealing with?

For example:

  • A student who earned C’s fall semester may not realistically jump to straight A’s in a few weeks, but improving each class by one letter grade is
  • Someone who hasn’t exercised in months may not be able to run three miles right away, but building from walks or short runs to longer ones is realistic.

Attainable Doesn’t Mean Easy

An attainable goal should still require effort. It might feel uncomfortable, and it will probably require consistency and discipline. If a goal feels challenging but possible, you’re probably in the right range.

4. Remember That Life Happens

Even the best plans need room for adjustment. Injuries, illness, schedule changes, or stress can all affect progress. For example:

  • An injury might mean your fitness goal needs to be paused or modified
  • A heavy academic workload might slow progress

This doesn’t mean the goal was “bad.” It means the timeline or approach needs to change. Honest goal-setting helps you stick with your goals and readjust them, rather than quitting altogether.

5. Track Progress & Celebrate Wins

Simple tracking through weekly check-ins, calendar tracking, or a physical checklist helps you see your effort and progress. It’s especially important to track actions, not just results. Grades and fitness improvements take time, but study sessions completed or workouts finished show progress right away and will help you maintain motivation.

Celebrating small wins matters just as much. Reaching a milestone, staying consistent for a week, or pushing past a mental block are all small wins that deserve recognition. Take a break, get yourself a small treat, or go out for a celebratory meal with friends! These small celebrations can keep you motivated and working towards your goal.

Start the Year with Confidence

Goal-setting works best when students don’t have to do it alone. While specific, measurable, attainable goals provide structure, professional guidance and accountability help turn those goals into real progress.

At Hodis Learning & Music, we support students as they build effective habits and develop confidence through academics, music, and art. With the right tools and encouragement, goal-setting becomes less about pressure and more about steady, meaningful growth.

Call us at (626) 227-1149 or submit a contact form to learn how we can help you achieve your goals in 2026.

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