Holistic Student Success Platform
goal commitment
Achieving success in college often hinges on your commitment to your academic and personal goals. Goal commitment refers to the value and priority you place on completing your college degree, and it plays a crucial role in retention, persistence, and graduation.
Getting a college degree is important and has huge benefits throughout your lifetime. While some people might question “is it worth it,” research still shows that college degree holders still earn, on average 75% more than those who have a high school diploma. What’s more, people with a college degree are more likely to have a job, particularly when times get tough. Following the economic crisis of 2008, the unemployment rate for those that held a college degree was around 4%, while those without a degree saw an unemployment rate of roughly 10%. A college degree has also been related to many other benefits, such as improved health.
But in order for you to be successful, getting a degree must be important to you. It can’t be something far off in the distance, but something that’s a priority on a day-to-day basis. When tough decisions arise, such as choosing between studying for an exam or doing something with your friends, making your success in college a priority will be the difference.
I don’t focus on what I’m up against.
I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.
Venus Williams
General Tips and Strategies to Improve Goal Commitment
Clarify Your Goals
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Define your "why": Reflect on why earning a college degree matters to you. Connect it to your long-term aspirations, such as career goals, financial stability, or personal fulfillment.
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Set SMART goals: Break your long-term objectives into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) steps.
Build Your Expectancy
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Focus on strengths: Identify your academic and personal strengths that can help you succeed.
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Seek feedback: Regularly consult with professors, advisors, and peers to evaluate your progress and adjust your approach.
Increase the Value of Yours Goals
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Visualize success: Imagine the impact of earning your degree on your life and future.
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Connect coursework to personal interests: Find ways to tie your studies to areas you're passionate about.
Create a Supportive Environment
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Establish routines: Build consistent study schedules and habits that align with your goals.
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Surround yourself with support: Engage with peers, mentors, and student organizations that encourage your academic success.
Goal Commitment Resources at Triton
The Academic Advising Department
Provides campus accessibility and accommodations that foster the development of students' abilities, preparing them to work to their fullest potential to obtain their academic and career goals.
More Goal Commitment Resources
It can be hard to commit to a goal when we don't understand why we're pursuing it. The Purpose Project offers exercises and reflective activities to help students explore what gives them purpose and how that can translate into career paths.
My Next Move is an interactive tool for career exploration developed by the U.S. Department of Labor. It features career search by industry or interest and includes the O*NET Interest Profiler to help students match personal interests to careers.
Parker Dewey is an organization that pairs students with real, paid micro-internships. Micro-internships are short (usually 10-15 hour) projects with actual companies and organizations, allowing you to gain experience, explore careers, and connect with current professionals.