Why is this important?

This module provides an introduction to thinking intentionally about goals, and planning to achieve them by managing your resources, especially time. These tools are evidence-based, which means that they are helpful for the majority of people, if properly applied.

What's in this module?

1. WHAT goals do you have?

2. WHY work towards these goals?

3. HOW do we organise ourselves to achieve our goals?

PLUS Your Say...and there's MORE!

1. WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE?

This first video introduces you to the science of goal-setting. You may have already seen this video in class.

Goal Definition Worksheet

Download a Goal Definition Worksheet to clarify your goals.

2. WHY WORK TOWARDS THESE GOALS?

The second video introduces the idea of what motivates us to achieve, in particular the importance of intrinsic motivation: the drive to achieve goals that are important to ourselves, rather than others.

3. HOW DO WE ORGANISE OURSELVES TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS?

The third video in this module gives Oakland University students’ views on time management tools. NOTE: The end of this video directs students to Oakland University’s campus resources. This will obviously not be relevant to UNSW students, but we have fantastic campus resources of our own. See links in MORE section (below).

Time Management Worksheet

Download a Time Management Worksheet to help you make your goals more achievable.

WHAT WHY HOW

We also get more satisfaction from our goal-striving behaviour if our goals are:

aligned with our values,the principles that guide us and motivate us through life eg “I value honesty in all domains - I do not cheat or plagiarise”. (see the Values Bullseye video in MORE section)
satisfies our basic psychological needs for autonomy (e.g sense of passion and purpose), competence (e.g sense of achievement), and/or relatedness (eg spending time with friends and family).
are aligned with our developing interests (eg we really love music, technology, organizing people).

See 'MORE' videos below for more on WHY. In particular, see RSA video—longer but perhaps more interesting than the one above.

Reflection

UNSW Services

The Hub

The Hub is a welcoming space set up by Student Life and Learning for students to study, access support, and explore development opportunities.

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre offers academic support services to students UNSW such as adjusting to academic culture, new approaches to learning, and a range of learning and language assistance programs.

Counselling and Psychological Services [CAPS]

CAPS provides a free and confidential service to all students enrolled at UNSW.