Goals can fill your life with purpose and direction. They matter when the excuses to quit seem louder than your reasons to keep going. And they are critical to your success as an RN to MSN student.
However, setting realistic goals takes some work. Your ultimate goal as an RN to MSN student is to graduate, of course, but you’ll be best served by setting specific goals for why you want to complete this program. Why do you want to graduate? Why do you want to earn your MSN? Your why is what will compel you to keep going when it would be easier to give up.
Now take your why and turn it into actionable goals. Focus on what steps you can take toward your goals this week and put them on your to-do list. For example, if your why for earning your MSN is to improve your and your family’s standard of living, then your goal can be to network among your classmates or instructors for tips on how to land a higher-level position.
My first goal after getting accepted into ACE’s RN to MSN program was to overcome my fear of posting in the discussion board. I was afraid I would look clueless about the discussion questions. But I knew it was a big part of the program, so I did it. The goal might seem small, but it was a big step into the world of online learning for me and it felt great to complete a goal.
But after setting your goals, anticipate there will be bumps in the road. Expecting goal achievement to come with difficulties and setbacks prepares you mentally for life’s inevitable surprises. Think about this: If you are traveling and come upon a detour, do you turn around, go back home and give up on your plans? No, you follow the detour knowing you will eventually get to where you are going, it just might take a little longer. This same theory applies to your RN to MSN goals. If you have to be late on an assignment because of a family emergency and you make a lesser grade than you could have, are you going to quit? Not if your goal’s why is strong enough. Don’t give up, your goal is worth it, you are worth it and your why is worth it.
Achieve your professional goals on your schedule with American College of Education’s fully online RN to MSN program.
