Goal Setting

Do you have a goal???

Goals should be... Specific o Getting an “A” in Math and a “B” in Accounts is much more specific than just saying that you would like to get good grades this semester Measurable o You’re more likely to keep up if you can see progress towards your goal. For example, getting an “A” on your midterm is measurable progress towards getting an “A” in the class.

Moderately difficult o A goal that is too hard or too easy will decrease your motivation and won’t show you what you’re really capable of accomplishing. Use what you’ve accomplished in the past as a guide Self-chosen o You are much more likely to achieve a goal that you set for yourself than one that has been set for you

Positive o Say what you do want to accomplish instead of what you don’t want to do. “I will attend all classes,” is much better than “I won’t skip any classes.” Realistic o Winning a marathon after two weeks of training is an unrealistic goal. Use what you’ve accomplished in the past to set a reasonable goal for the future.

Flexible If it looks like you can’t reach your original goal, be flexible and redraw your plan Associate with a deadline When do you plan on accomplishing this goal, in a month, day, or year? Written down It will serve as a better reminder to keep you motivated

Where goal setting can go wrong When goal setting is disorganized o For example, keep personal and academic goals separate When goals are unrealistic o For example, becoming a company CEO immediately after graduation is an unrealistic goal Goals that are ‘beyond’ your control o For example, winning the lottery is definitely beyond your control

When goals are vague o For example, “becoming successful” or “becoming a better student” are not clear goals When you set too many goals o At any time you should focus on achieving only three or four goals

SMART Goals: S – Specific M – Measurable A – Attainable or Achievable R – Realistic T – Time-bound

SMART Goals offer: Clarity Direction Increased motivation, involvement, & commitment Improved chances for success So, everyone… Get SMART with the goals you are setting!

Three types of goals for students to develop: ACADEMIC: What do I want to achieve in college this year? CAREER: How can I prepare for the future? PERSONAL: Who am I? What do I really want?

GOALS: ACADEMIC How can I build on my strengths? How can I improve? What can I achieve? (attendance, percentage, course selection…)

GOALS: CAREER What do I want to do in the future? What should I do now to prepare? What are my other options?

GOALS: PERSONAL Who am I? How can I be involved? How can I contribute?

Types of Procrastinators Perfectionist: wants to be perfect; needs to focus on excellence Dreamer: Have big ideas but don’t follow through; needs to set specific goals Worrier: avoids situations that cause stress/anxiety; needs to break tasks down and focus on what they do know

Crisis-Maker: Enjoy getting it done at the last minute; needs to create own motivation Overdoer: Have difficulty saying no; needs to set daily priorities and create time for self.

Obstacles If you encounter an obstacle: o Add them to your goal plan o Treat them as short or long term goals that you must achieve o Be flexible and willing to change your plan and timeline o Above all, Don’t Stress!!!

Dealing with Procrastination? If your goal is long term o Take small steps to complete your goal o No matter what, just start o Keep little reminders  Tell a friend your goal, ask them to remind you  Keep little notes of encouragement o Reward yourself when you complete a task  Buy something special for yourself  Do something special for yourself  Call someone who would motivate you

Accomplishment Reward yourself Acknowledge the contributions of others o Let the people who helped you along the way know that you have accomplished your goal Share your news with family and friends o You would be amazed how excited people get when you succeed Set another goal or continue working on your current goals

Assignment Complete your Goal Setting by – SEP 12, 2012

Goal Setting Exercise What motivates you? And Why? o Money o Recognition o Desire to please o Self Satisfaction o Sense of Accomplishment o Fear o Physical needs o Any other _____________

Visualize what you would like to be doing 5 years from now o Higher Studies? o Working? o Family? o Home? o Car? How will you reach these goals?

In what general area/career do you wish to work? What will be your most important “product/deed” for which you want to be remembered? What kind of person do you want to be? What words describe your ideal lifestyle?

THANKS