Creating Goals

What is a Goal? A goal is something you intend to do, something you want to achieve—the end that you strive for.

Goal Setting 101 Clearly define the challenge facing you. What issue, problem or desire are you trying to change or achieve? Examples of misguided challenge definitions: Low grade in class – Teachers fault vs. lack of effort on your part? “I’m Bored!” – Too much TV time vs. joining a club or organization.

Establish your goals by answering these questions: The Four Key Questions Establish your goals by answering these questions: 1. Challenge Why do I want it? Define the desire or challenge facing you. 2. Goal What do I want? Write down the goal you want to achieve. 3. Action Steps How will I get it? Your specific action plan to reach your goal. Target Dates When do I want it? The completion date to reach your goal.

S.M.A.R.T. goals are: SPECIFIC MEASURABLE ACTION-ORIENTED REALISTIC TIMELY

Educational Goal SPECIFIC State exactly what you are aiming at knowing that it is within your ability. Goals are not vague or confusing. My goal is to get an “A” on a unit spelling test.

Personal Goal SPECIFIC State exactly what you are aiming at knowing that it is within your ability. Goals are not vague or confusing. My goal is to buy an iPod.

Educational Goal MEASURABLE It is important to measure your progress; state what and when you want it. My goal is to get an “A” on the next unit spelling test in three weeks.

Personal Goal MEASURABLE It is important to measure your progress; state what and when you want it. My goal is to buy my iPod five months from today.

Educational Goal ACTION-ORIENTED Spell out exactly how you will achieve the goal; what will you do? My goal is to learn three spelling words a day.

Personal Goal ACTION-ORIENTED Spell out exactly how you will achieve the goal; what will you do? My goal is to by my iPod five months from today. I will save $10 a month from my allowance money.

Educational Goal REALISTIC Realistic goals are possible; they may be hard, but they are not just a dream. My goal is to start today learning three new words.

Personal Goal REALISTIC Realistic goals are possible; they may be hard, but they are not just a dream. My goal is to buy an iPod five months from today. I will save $10 a month from my allowance starting today knowing that I still have another $10 a month to do other things with.

Educational Goal TIMELY Give yourself enough time to achieve your goal but not so much that you lose sight of your goal. My goal is to get an “A” on the next unit spelling test in three weeks. Learning three words each school day means I will know all forty-five words by the test date.

Personal Goal TIMELY Give yourself enough time to achieve your goal but not so much that you lose sight of your goal. My goal is to buy an iPod five months from today; I will save $10 a month from allowance money netting me $50 in five months; I have priced iPods and can get one for $50.

The difference between a dream and a goal is ACTION. Dreams vs. Goals Goal Setting is like shooting an arrow. You may want to hit the target, but if you don’t take action – shooting the arrow – you only have a dream. The difference between a dream and a goal is ACTION.