Goal Setting and Motivation

SUMMARY (OVERVIEW):

This module will focus on understanding both goal setting using SMART goals and utilizing time management and self-disciple to achieve those goals.

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OBJECTIVES:

After completing this module you will be able to:

Understand effective goal setting.
Create a SMART goal.
Utilize critical thinking analysis.

Goal Setting and Motivation SMART Goals

QUOTES:

“The difference between a dream and a goal is action.”
"What is worth doing is worth doing well.”
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in life. And, that is why I succeed.” ~Michael Jordan
"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” Tommy Lasorda
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt

Understanding how to achieve your goals and dreams starts with understanding the difference between them and what is needed to make them possible.

What is the difference between a dream and a goal?

As you read the article Dreams vs. Goals think about what you are doing right and what you need to improve upon to reach you goals. Are you only dreaming? Have you made the mistake of skipping needed steps to fulfill your dreams?

The article ends by saying that, "Habits are the vehicle, goals are the route you take, dreams are why you’re driving." Think of a couple of your dreams for the future. Write them down.

PLANNING:

On the next few pages we will look at how to write your goals to include the steps or habits needed to achieve your goals to make your dream a reality.

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GOALS: (Time Gauges)

Immediate goals: Now to 6 months
Short-term goals: 6 months to 2 years
Medium-range goals: 2-5 years
Long-range goals: 5 years +

You will need all of these goals to help you achieve your dreams. The key is making sure they all lead you in the right direction!

Some goals are lifelong goals: Just those things you want to do at least once…not time specific…i.e. parachute out of an airplane. (This one could bring an abrupt end to all of your goals!!)

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CREATING AN ACTION PLAN:

Challenge or Dream: I want to run a long distance race.

Example: Goal: Starting March 1st, I will begin preparing to run the 10k race in July. (The route you will take.)

NOTE: The specific start/stop dates and the specific measurable distances.

ACTION STEPS: (The Vehicle)

I will go to the park every other morning before school.
I will run and walk for 1 hour to increase my stamina.
I will record my distance on my calendar.
I will try to run at least 5 miles by April, 8 miles by end of May and 10 miles by July1st.
I will register to run the race in April.

TRY IT OUT:

Now go back to your dream list and pick one dream. What is one goal that will help you achieve your dream? Now apply the SMART checklist. What action steps or habits are needed to complete your goal?

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SMART GOALS ACTIVITY:

If goals aren’t reachable, they aren’t worth making. All you have to do to set realistic goals is follow the SMART goals guidelines. Read pp. 59-70. Think about how you may need to restructure you goals to make meeting them more likely.

S (Specific): Clearly and concisely what you want to accomplish

M (Measurable): What you want/when you want it

A (Attainable (Action-Oriented)): How they will be achieved

R (Relevant/Realistic): Possible considering your resources and constraints

T (Time-Bound): Have a specific deadline; reasonable time to achieve; not too much to lose focus or motivation

Example: I will run 3 miles a week starting in August, so that I will be prepared to run a 5k in May 2017.

NOTE: This goal is specific (run a 5K in May 2017), measurable (3 miles), action-oriented (I run, 3 times each week), reasonable (I have a year to get in shape) and timely (the deadline is May 2017).

SMART GOALS CHECKLIST (Answer the Following):

S (Specific):
- What is the Specific Goal?
- Why is this Goal Important?
M (Measurable):
- What are the dates for the goal?
- What is the Criteria or Unit of Measurement you will use to measure your goal (ex. Paychecks, Money saved, Weight lost, Dates, Chapters, Certifications, Levels, etc.)?
- How will you tell if you Met or are meeting your goal?
A (Attainable (Action-Oriented)):
- Can this Goal be attained with the time frame you have given?
- Explain the 3 Actions you will do to make sure your goal is achieved.
R (Relevant/Realistic):
- What are 2 Realistic Statistics that you will use to check if it can be done?
  - ex. Numbers (Frequency of..., Average rate of..., Capacity of..., Total amount of...,)
T (Time-Bound):
- What is the deadline that you must complete this goal by?
- Why is this Deadline important? What is your motivation to complete this goal?