Have you ever set a goal but then lost motivation to follow through on the action steps required to meet the goal? If you said “yes,” don’t feel bad, you’re not alone. There are many reasons we lose motivation. To start, maybe your goal was not SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, or time sensitive). Setting a SMART goal is a good start, but you will also need to implement strategies to maintain your energy, enthusiasm, and focus.

Use this journal entry to reflect on strategies you can implement this semester to hold yourself accountable and stick with a goal even when it’s hard. Respond to the following six questions:

Question 1

Question 1, Identify one SMART goal you have for yourself this semester (academic, personal, or professional).

Submit Question 1

Question 2

Question 2, What are the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards associated with this goal?

Submit Question 2

Question 3

Question 3, As you work toward this goal, how can you build in small rewards to celebrate success along the way? What is a good reward for you?

Submit Question 3

Question 4

Question 4, What can you say to yourself (positive self-talk) when you start to lose motivation?

Submit Question 4

Question 5

Question 5, Who can you enlist to support you working towards this goal? How can they validate you and encourage you?

Submit Question 5

Question 6

Question 6, If you find yourself procrastinating, getting distracted, or otherwise not working towards your goal, what are two reassuring and nonjudgmental things you can tell yourself?

Submit Question 6