Chapter 1: Introduction to Goal Achievement

Setting out to accomplish your aspirations requires commitment. When you actively pursue your objectives, they, in turn, influence your personal growth. Ultimately, the positive endeavors we embark on contribute significantly to our development.

Preamble

Exams have always been a source of anxiety for me, perhaps due to my experiences in medical school, where assessments were a constant presence. Failing an exam meant retaking it a few months later, and if you failed a second time, you would have to repeat the entire year. After a third failure, you would be dismissed from the program.

During my first year, I struggled with botany, a subject I found particularly uninteresting. To avoid failing, I resorted to sleeping with the textbook under my pillow, absorbing the material bit by bit each morning. In the end, I managed to secure a B in the course.

When pursuing my postgraduate studies, I deliberately selected courses evaluated through research essays instead of exams. While academic writing posed its own challenges, it remained my passion. However, some mandatory courses, like statistics and epidemiology, still required examinations, leading to many sleepless nights. Ultimately, I finished with another B in these classes.

Epiphanies and Realizations

Many students excelled in medical school because they revisited concepts repeatedly until they became second nature. Some achieved remarkable success through sheer effort, repeatedly taking exams until they mastered the material. They weren't innately gifted; they cultivated their skills through hard work.

Upon meeting my mentor, I quickly recognized his expertise as a clinician. His ability to make swift diagnoses stemmed from over 50 years of experience. He advised me, “If you wish to excel in your exams, continue learning and relearning the material until it becomes second nature.”

My Driving Test Journey

In North America, obtaining a driver's license necessitates passing both a knowledge and a road test. The knowledge test requires a score of at least 16 out of 20.

This goal has been a fixture on my vision board for quite some time. Unlike others who set specific timelines, I simply recorded my objective. Through practicing various tests, I gradually internalized road signs and regulations, as well as discussions about drivers losing their licenses.

In essence:

• I clearly articulated my goal on my vision board.
• I downloaded a driving test preparation app.
• I dedicated half an hour every other day to practice on the app.

Eventually, I visited a drive test agency to inquire about scheduling. When I felt prepared, I attempted the test and scored 14/20. After some reflection, I returned the next day and improved to 15/20. I took a break to explore other resources and downloaded a different app, committing to daily practice. I have scheduled another test, determined to achieve at least a 16/20 score.

Each practice session and test reinforces my driving knowledge, which is now firmly embedded in my mind. Unless someone has navigated this journey themselves, they may not fully grasp the effort it took to reach this level of understanding.

In Summary

Through my experiences, I’ve learned that most significant goals begin with writing them down. Visualization plays a critical role. Next, it’s vital to research the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Consider jotting down smaller tasks and checking them off as you complete them.

Keep pushing forward. Pace yourself, and eventually, you'll reach your destination. Once you do, take a moment to acknowledge your success and either set a new goal or take a well-deserved break.

I plan to apply this same strategy for my board exams, which I’ve already added to my vision board. It's time to dive into studying once more. I've purchased practice tests and intend to acquire more.

Final Thoughts

Remember, you’re not competing against anyone else. Focus on your journey and disregard the pressures from others.

Update:

I finally passed the knowledge driving test on my sixth attempt with an impressive score of 18/20. The feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming. This week, I’ll be looking into nearby driving schools to prepare for my road test.

Thanks to Jason Edmunds for the advice: “Always handwrite your goals instead of typing them. There’s something powerful about physically writing them down. What you focus on expands, and you’ll be astonished at how opportunities arise once you set your intentions.” - Elizabeth Rider.

Chapter 2: The Importance of Visualization and Practice

In this video, learn how to stop letting yourself down and genuinely achieve your goals through effective strategies and mindset changes.

Brian Tracy shares insights on setting and achieving goals effectively, emphasizing the significance of planning and persistence.