Adapting to change is all about mindset. The imminent arrival of ATAR results will bring relief to many Year 12 graduates. But not everyone will receive the outcome they were expecting.
Adapting to change is all about mindset.
The inevitable arrival of ATAR results brings relief to many Year 12 graduates each year. But not everyone will receive the outcome they were expecting.
Dr Mandie Shean, a resilience expert from ECU, has some top tips on changing your mindset after unexpected results.
"Don't think of it as a wasted year if your results weren't what you expected," Dr Shean says.
"This is a chance to look back and learn from your mistakes. Did anything – or anyone – get in the way of you achieving your goals? If so, what will you do differently in the future?
"It's okay to feel disappointed and work out ways to manage your feelings, but after that it is important to set your eyes firmly towards your plans for the future."
Choosing the right course for you
Many school leavers also face the challenge of deciding which course to choose from multiple offers.
And Year 12s aren't the only ones considering their future goals at this time of year. It may have been years since you studied – but you're ready to switch careers or chase the job of your dreams and apply for university.
Whatever boat you find yourself in, it's more than okay to change your mind.
ECU's Professor Joanne Dickson, a goal-motivation and mental health and wellbeing expert, says the path you decided on a year or more ago does not need to be the direction you decide to head today.
"Research shows us that being flexible around achieving our goals has a significant positive impact on our wellbeing, and our ability to achieve them," Professor Dickson says.
"It's not about tenacity – it's about accepting that it's okay to shift the goal posts so you can keep working at it or adjusting your approach to pursue meaningful outcomes consistent with inner values."
Flexible goal pursuit key to mental wellbeing
Professor Dickson says having the flexibility to adapt to changing situations or obstacles is a strength that will see you grow and sustain a sense of wellbeing.
"Be reflective rather than judgemental. Don't let that inner critical judgemental voice drag you down – try and turn your thinking around so you can 'reflect' constructively.
"Reflection gives you an opportunity to learn from your experiences and identify strategies to improve and to move forward."
Choose 5-star teaching at ECU
ECU is committed to helping students achieve their goals.
The University's focus on putting students first has been recognised in the 2022 Good University Guide, which awarded ECU a 5-star rating for teaching quality for the fifteenth year in a row, one of only two public universities in Australia to achieve this.
By choosing ECU, you're choosing to study at WA's top ranked university for undergraduate overall experience, skills development, student support, learning resources and learner engagement.
ECU also provides a range of flexible study options and entry pathways, including university preparation courses that equip you with the academic skills needed to succeed at university, and gain entry into a variety of courses.
Apply now: chooseecu.com.au
