Goal Setting The Key To Managing Your Life

“Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I’ll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I’ll give you a stock clerk.” J.C. Penney

Agenda Defining goals Difference between a dream & a goal Why don’t most people set goals? Understanding importance of goal setting Types of goals SMART goals Why goals fail? Guidelines for goal setting Myths about goal setting Advice for effective goal setting

Defining Goals Definition : “Point marking end of race”; “Object of effort or ambition”; “Destination”, etc. Goal setting is the process of deciding what you want to accomplish and devising a plan to achieve the result you desire.

What is the Difference Between A Dream & A Goal?

What Is The Difference Between: Dreams (wishful thinking), and Goals? Dreams are visions of what we want. Goals are our road map to making it happen – they take us from one point to the next.

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.

Why Most People Don’t Set Goals? Pessimist Attitude Fear of Failure Lack of Ambition Low Self Esteem Ignorance of Importance of Goals Lack of Knowledge of Goal Setting

Importance of Goal Setting You take control of your life You focus on the important things You will make good decisions in life You can finish your task efficiently You will be self confident You are closer to progress and success

Types of Goals

S.M.A.R.T. Goals are… Specific Realistic Timely Measurable Achievable (Actionable) Realistic Timely

Specific goals answer the following questions: Who:       Who is involved? What:      What do I want to accomplish? Where:    Identify a location. When:     Establish a time frame. Which:    Identify requirements/constraints. Why:       Specific reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal.

Measurable To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?

Actionable The goal is “do-able” It is action-oriented

Realistic The goal must be an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. Again, it must be “do-able” People must believe it can be accomplished

Timely You should establish a timeframe The timeframe must be realistic Everyone needs to know the timeframe…make it public T may also represent Tangible in that you can experience it with one of your senses!

Are you surrounded by right people in your life Are you surrounded by right people in your life? Are you influenced by the right people in your life?

Why Goals Fail? Not Written Down No Rewards Not Realistic Keeps Changing No Accountability No Timeliness

Guidelines for Goal Setting Goal setting is a two part process: Deciding what you want to do? Work at accomplishing whatever goal you have set for yourself.

Goal Statement What do you want to achieve? Why do you want to achieve it? How will you achieve it?

Time to think…and write Craft a personal goal Craft a professional goal

4 Myths About Goal Setting I already have goals I don’t need goals. I am already doing fine. Goal doesn’t work as planned. Life is so unpredictable. I don’t need written goals. I have everything in my mind.

“When you focus on the problem you loose the goal when you focus on the goal you loose the problem”