5 tips to turn your study dreams into a reality

The beginning of a new year gives us an excellent opportunity to reflect on all that we’ve achieved, not to mention our plans for the future.

For many, this includes starting a new career and commencing study for the first time (or again!) Every year, we welcome thousands of enquiries from people interested in following their dreams to pursue a career in child care, aged care or business.

But how do you turn your study dreams into reality?

Here are some tips to ensure 2017 is the year you take a bold step towards a fulfilling future.

1. Think about what you are going to do, not what you should

Want to study in 2017? Then make a list of all the things you’re going to do to achieve this. You could start by making some time to research available courses and collating your questions, then aim to get in touch with the course provider to chat about your study options. Plan for everything else you’ll need to do to help you study – from setting up a place to study at home, to potentially re-arranging your work schedule.

People who think about what they should do, rather than what they really want to do (and are going to do) are far less likely to follow through with their goals.

2. Be SMART

You may have heard of SMART goals before. SMART is an acronym used for creating goals which are:

S – specific

M – measurable

A – achievable

R – realistic

T – time-based
If you’re dreaming of a new or improved career in aged-care, early childhood learning, business or hospitality make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based – meaning you give yourself a reasonable timeframe to achieve them!

3. Share some accountability

Making the decision to study is exciting, but can be a little daunting too. Like most of life’s challenges, it’s a lot easier to take your first step and stay motivated when you’ve got the support of your friends and family. Asking some of your close friends or family to help keep you on-track with your study goals can help you achieve your ambition.

4. Just start

At Selmar we offer a range of courses at various levels of difficultly and commitment. Whilst your ultimate goal may be to complete an advanced diploma for example, it may be more practical to start with a short course to warm up your aptitude for study and ease in. Whatever you do, the most important thing is to make a start – and you’ll gather momentum as you go.

5. Enjoy the process

Studying is highly rewarding and can open all kinds of doors for greater personal and professional development. So be patient with yourself, enjoy the process and know that you’re on the road to achieving great things in 2017.