Hi Students

As term 1 of 2026 approaches, we must all consider our motivations for the year. What is it that drives us? What do we use to push ourselves when we're hitting a wall with a particular assessment or task? You need goals, both short and long term and things you desire, which in turn become your motivation.

I learned about the importance of goal setting and personal motivation on my own educational journey (which continues to this day). I was never much of a student once high school began. For personal reasons I only completed snippets of years 8, 9 and 10 before leaving school to find work. However, upon realising my opportunities were limited without education- I headed back to school at 19 to complete year 12, which I did at Canning College. I followed that up with four years at Curtin Uni and it was all pretty hard at first. I was so behind and had to catch up, but I made it work. How? Goal setting. This is the only way to get through intense studies.

Regardless of your parents hopes for you or what you are expected to do, you must have your own reasons and dreams for continuing with school, for tackling ATAR, for choosing university as a pathway. What are they? Is it money and prestige or perhaps, security and professional fulfilment? Do you wish to travel the world and hope to do so with your degree? That's the long term. What about the short term? Is there a particular score you want to achieve in your ATAR or maybe you just want to meet your English competency. You may want to gain acceptance into a particular university. Whatever your short term goals and motivators may be, you do need to have them. You can use them to help you keep going when you're exhausted and in exam preparation mode. Our own personal ambitions are essential for keeping up momentum. 

Set yourself realistic and achievable goals to be excited about and watch yourself fly!

Thanks so much everyone.

Please let me know if there are any particular topics you would like me to address in the next blog.

Cheers

Jem