Setting Goals and Achieving Them

How do I get to where I want to go?

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Most people may hear the term ‘setting goals’, and automatically think far into the future about relationships, jobs and family.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

However, you also need to understand about setting short-term goals; goals that can be achieved in a day, week or month.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Close your eyes and think about something you want to accomplish in one week. You should visualize how you will accomplish it, how you will feel when it's accomplished, and the time frame in which you will do it in.”

 -from

www.livestrong.com/article/30488-goal-setting-activities-teenagers/

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

S.M.A.R.T. GoalsShould be: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-based.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Specific: Goals need to be something specific. For example, a statement like "I will get good grades" is too vague. How will you know if and when you've reached your goal? Saying, “I will make above an 80%, or raise my grade one letter" is more specific. At the end of the month it will be a simple matter of weights and measures: look at your grades and see if you have succeeded.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Measurable:

Goals need to be measurable. Again, many students want to get better grades. But, "getting better grades" is an ambiguous statement. A clearer objective is "I will increase the grade I get on my next math test by 20 points.” It's a simple, concrete goal. This makes it easy to see if you hit your target

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Achievable: Goals need to be reasonable and achievable. Many students want to shoot 80% from the foul line or be first chair in the orchestra. Often their success or failure depends on setting practical goals. Increasing your foul line percentage from 50% to 80% in one week is unrealistic. Increasing your foul line percentage to 80% over 6 to 8 weeks, with a lot practice, is reasonable. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are out of reach.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Realistic:

Goals need to be realistic. Sometimes we think we can do anything. It's important to honestly evaluate yourself. Do you have the ability and commitment to make your dream come true? Or does it need a little adjustment? For example, you may love to play tennis, but do you have the time, talent and commitment to become a pro? Be honest.

Setting Goals and Achieving Them

Time Framed:

Goals need to have a time frame. Having a set amount of time will give your goals structure. For example, many of us want start saving money for holiday shopping. Some people spend a lot of time talking about how and when they are going to save this money. But, without an end date there is no sense of urgency, no reason to take any action today. Having a specific time frame gives you the impetus to get started. It also helps you monitor your progress.