Many of the goals that we set tend to be very short term (e.g. getting an A on a test).  These goals can be very useful ways to maintain a focus when a lot of things are competing for your time.

Micro goals, unlike short term and long term goals, don’t need to be written down.  Here are some possible ways to make micro goals work for you:

1. Each night before you go to sleep, set 5-7 micro goals to achieve for the next day.  These can be such things as completing a homework assignment, getting a specific grade on a test, meeting with a study group.  Put them on a To Do list.
2. When you begin an assignment, set a micro goal for how long you plan to spend on the assignment.
3. Set micro goals for using your time between classes.
4. Set micro goals for such personal needs as:
   1. Sleep – amount and consistency
   2. Food intake – quantity, quality
   3. Drinking – consumption amounts
   4. Exercise – time spent
5. Set micro goals for study/fun ratios.  A 4:1 ratio is a good goal.
6. Set micro goals for meeting new people.
7. Set micro goals for getting involved in campus activities.
8. Set micro goals for meeting with faculty or your advisor.
9. Keep a scorecard of micro goals met each day.
10. Teach someone else how you use micro goals.

The very process of setting and achieving micro goals can become a fabric of your life.  Setting and achieving micro goals will lead to increased confidence and the ability to set and achieve short term and long term goals.