Reflecting as the year ends and a new one begins is something that many of us do. We assess what went right, what wasn’t so great, what worked, what didn’t work and so on. What will you do differently next year, and what brought fulfilment to your year?
For many, it wasn’t quite the year they had in mind. However, taking the time to reassess and set some realistic goals can be an effective way of moving forward in a positive way. Now is the perfect time to start setting yourself up for success in the New Year.
Reasons why we set goals
New year’s resolutions, fitness targets, savings plans — as human beings, goal setting seems to come naturally to many of us.
We can set goals for a range of reasons, and it’s usually a combination of these:
- Finding motivation
- Improving your current situation
- Getting through your ‘wish list’ or ‘to do list’ in life
- Helping get to your next step
- Keeping yourself accountable
The SMART approach to goal setting
Of course, it’s one thing to set goals, but what can we do to help ourselves actually achieve them? You can approach goal setting in many ways — think of it personally, stick a note on your bathroom mirror, post it publicly to social media, team up with a friend. It’s important to find an approach that best suits you and seems to help you get the results you are striving for.
One particular approach that is highly regarded to improve your chance at succeeding in reaching your goals is taking the SMART approach. To be clear, that is an acronym, with SMART standing for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Let’s take a closer look at each of these:
- Specific: What do you want to accomplish and what needs to be done?
- Measurable: How will you track your progress on achieving this goal?
- Achievable: Know what is required to achieve the goal and be sure that it can be done based on any potential constraints.
- Relevant: Is it worthwhile, is this the right time and what will I get from accomplishing it?
- Time-bound: Work toward a deadline. When do you want to complete this goal and what mini-deadlines will help create a feasible timeline to get there.
Whether you want to run 5 kilometres in a certain time frame, or you are aiming to learn to play a song on guitar, using the SMART methodology is an excellent way to frame your goal setting.
The value of goal setting to fulfil potential
When we set goals, we are demonstrating hope for the future. We are foreshadowing a better version of ourselves and a journey of growth that we are excited for. As well as motivating us to get from where we are to where we want to be, goals can also contribute to improved mental health and wellbeing.
You can use the power of goal setting in a variety of settings each with unique outcomes. You might apply goals to your career, education, finances, family, physical health, mental health, creative endeavours, public service, relationships and more.
The combination of goal setting mobilising us to take action and improving our performance as we strive to achieve the goals can increase our ability to reach our potential and lead a fulfilling life where we continually move forward.
We’re here to support you in achieving your goals
If you’ve been considering where you are now and where you want to be, it’s possible that you are thinking about a new career path, ways to improve your business or how to better support those around you.
From new careers to upskilling workforces and training entire teams, Catalyst’s registered training organisations can support your journey and help you start making those goals a reality
The results are in from the latest survey from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), and Catalyst training organisations continue to deliver training satisfaction and employment outcomes for learners.
Informing and influencing the vocational education and training (VET) space in Australia drives NCVER’s research, and each year learners who have completed studies in the VET sector are invited to take part in their student outcomes survey.
Catalyst’s RTOs Selmar Institute of Education, Royal College of Healthcare and Practical Outcomes were included in the recent survey. All our brands are firm in the belief that education should be human-centred — as such, results such as those from the NCVER survey are important to us. They add to our own feedback processes to ensure that we are always maximising the outcomes for our learners, and providing a rewarding training experience.
Adapting to new ways of learning
As we, along with much of the world, shifted to studying online from the onset of the pandemic, optimising the distance and online learning experiences was of paramount importance. Our approach meant that learners received a dedicated trainer and comprehensive support regardless of their course delivery mode.
With over 91% of learners at Selmar and Practical Outcomes reporting that they were satisfied with the overall quality of their training, our efforts paid off for those enrolled in our courses.
Training to enhance outcomes in employment
Of course, while training experience is important, the outcomes for learners are a priority. Whether it’s upskilling or entering their chosen sector, where your studies take you really matters. For survey respondents who trained with Selmar, combining aged care learners and those completing studies in early childhood education, 90.1% of Selmar learners were employed or enrolled in further study after training with us, with 78.4% of Selmar learners reporting that they improved their employment status after completing their training with us.
Similar outcomes were experienced by respondents who were studying early childhood education sector at Practical Outcomes — 89.6% of Practical Outcomes’ learners were employed or enrolled in further study after training with us and 92.6% of our learners found Practical Outcomes’ training relevant to their job.
Achieving career goals
The aged care learners at Royal College reported meeting their goals too, with 85.8% of Royal College learners achieving their main reason for completing training. With employment — gaining employment or career progression — a key focus area for most learners, 96.4% of Royal College learners were employed or enrolled in further study after training with us, and 91.3% of our learners found Royal College’s training relevant to their job.
Striving for continual improvement and growth
The results of the annual NCVER Survey are promising and tell us that our RTOs are meeting the needs of learners in both the aged care sector and early childhood education and care sector. We also identify that there is room for improvement and look forward to continuing to listen and enhance the way we consider, design and deliver high quality vocational education. Together we can all reach our full potential.
About this report:
Information in the report is presented on Selmar/Practical Outcomes/Royal College qualification completers’ reasons for training, their employment outcomes, further study outcomes and satisfaction with training. The figures are derived from the National Student Outcomes Survey, which is an annual survey of VET students.
Pre-pandemic life can seem like a distant memory, especially for those in Victoria and New South Wales. After almost two years of studying from home, working from home, and/or adapting to challenging circumstances as essential workers in aged care and early childhood education, the time has come to explore the new normal.
With rising vaccination rates across the country and restrictions easing, the time has come for us to move into a post-lockdown world. While the prospect of heading back out into the world is exciting, not to mention seeing loved ones after months apart, you might feel nervous or worried. Rest assured this is completely normal. To ensure the transition to the new normal goes smoothly for you, we have compiled some tips that might help.
Move at your own pace
No doubt being able to access our freedoms again means there will be the opportunity to make some changes in your life. This doesn’t mean you have to transform the way you live overnight. Take some time to assess what might change in your life in the coming weeks and months and make plans with a timeline that feels right.
You might prefer to ease back slowly — rushing to fill every day in your calendar and visit every favourite restaurant right away isn’t necessary. If you need to, slow it down to a pace that suits you to build your confidence starting with places where you feel comfortable.
On the other hand, if you’re ready to jump in to life where you left off that’s fine too. Keep following the latest health and safety guidelines to keep yourself and your community safe while enjoying life in the way that makes you happy.
Making plans and setting goals
During lockdown you might have already reflected on your life and goals, and thought about what you want to achieve. Exploring new hobbies or activities, or even a new career could be on your agenda.
Any time is a great time to consider taking up a course or upskilling to advance your career. Aged care or early childhood education are two booming sectors are offering excellent job prospects for caring individuals who are seeking a career that is both rewarding and meaningful. Aged care workers deliver life-altering care for ageing individuals who require support to get the most from life. In early childhood education, you provide care for children from birth through to school age, supporting them through the most critical stage of development and laying the foundation for their education. Each is a career path with plenty of options to grow and thrive!
Maintain good habits
When we started adjusting to restrictions and changes when lockdowns were initially introduced, it became apparent how important daily routines can be. Same applies when looking at easing restrictions and their implications for our daily lives. Keeping some things as they are could be a good way of transitioning gently, for example your morning walk and coffee or evening reading hour.
Just because restrictions are coming to an end, it doesn’t mean you need to stop doing those activities that you really enjoyed during lockdown. Many people found themselves become passionate about cooking, exercise routines or hobbies at home, and it’s okay to continue with the things you have come to love – especially if they’ve been good for you!
It might be tempting to rush out and do everything all at once simply because we are allowed, but keep prioritising your self-care and don’t push yourself too hard. There’s plenty of time to enjoy those freedoms we’ve all been longing for.
Talk to your friends and families
If you feel anxious, apprehensive or nervous about the easing restrictions and our re-introduction into the world, reach out and talk to those around you. Your friends, family and colleagues can offer support and may even be experiencing similar feelings. After all, we’ve all been through this together and we’re coming out of it together too.
When making plans, don’t forget to check in with your friends, family and work colleagues about what they are comfortable doing. We are all different — communication is key to take a supportive approach as we navigate the new normal.
Remember, you might need to adjust your expectations a little because chances are life won’t be exactly the same as pre-pandemic but there are still so many fun and exciting things to do in the new normal.
Keep the resources below in mind for anyone who needs support for their mental health and wellbeing:
Lifeline Australia
Provide access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Telephone: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Provides information, and support for depression, anxiety and suicide prevention.
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Telephone: 1300 224 636
Headspace
Provides young people with information and resources on mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services.
Website: www.headspace.org.au
Telephone: 1800 650 890
1800 Respect
Provides 24 hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.
Website: www.1800respect.org.au
Telephone: 1800 737 732
Mindspot
Provides free effective internet delivered psychological assessment and treatment for stress, anxiety, worry, depression, low mood, OCD and trauma (PTSD).
Website: www.mindspot.org.au
Telephone: 1800 614 434
Kids Helpline
Provides private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Website: www.kidshelpline.com.au
Telephone: 1800 55 1800
National Debt Helpline
Helps people tackle their debt problems.
Website: www.ndh.org.au
Telephone: 1800 007 007
National Coronavirus Helpline
Provides information and advice about COVID-19.
Website: www.health.gov.au/contacts/national-coronavirus-helpline
Telephone: 1800 020 080