(Ep. 17) HOW TO DEVELOP A STRONG ACADEMIC PLAN

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There's a saying which goes thus: 'He who fails to plan, plans to fail'. This is true for all areas of life, including your academics. People who eventually become successful don't become successful by chance or luck. They had a plan which they followed.

Here are 7 things you should do to develop an academic plan:


1. Make sure you have written down your SMART goals

Have you written down your goals? What are your long term and short term goals? What exactly do you want to achieve this semester, this session and when you graduate. Write them down. Make sure they are SMART. You may need to read our previous articles on 'Write Down Your Goals (Ep. 3) and SMARTen your Goals (Ep. 4).

 Remember to break your large goals into smaller bits. For example, if you have a goal of getting a 5.0 out of 5.0 GPA this semester, you could break it into smaller bits of making A's in every course you offer this semester

2. Identify where to get your academic resources.

Where can you find the academic resources you need? Do you need to buy the books; or seek them out in the library; or just read your notes; or find them online? Make sure the resources are available


3. Develop a Study Plan

Have a study timetable. Plan your week and  your day ahead in order to accommodate your personal study. Identify the places you will stay to study, how long you will spend each day, etc. From what time to what time? Write these down.

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4. Stick to your plan

It is easier to set out a plan than to follow the plan. Most people don't follow their plans. And that is why many fail. Following a plan entails discipline. Discipline is doing what you are supposed to do whether you feel like it or not. You must also consciously fight procrastination. Do what you need to do now. Don't push it till tomorrow. Procrastination is a thief of time.


5. Put away distractions

Put away distractions, especially distractions from your phone. Phones are a very strong source of distractions to many students today. Put away distractions from your phones, from relationships, from other campus activities which are not relevant to your goals.


6. Reassess and Readjust your plan

From time to time, do a reassessment of your plans to find out if you are making progress. Where there is need for readjustment of your plans, please readjust. Don't be too rigid on it. However, ensure discipline and due diligence. 


7. Commit Your Plans to God

Commit your plans into God's hand. He is always willing to help you. So, call on him and he will come to your aid and give you everything you need to stick to your plans and achieve your goals.


If you must have academic excellence, you really need to plan properly. For those who plan, the sky is even their starting point,  or their limits.


"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5


Now that you are a student, develop an academic plan


✌️ 💕

Dr Tochukwu Onu, PT

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