Goal Setting: The Key to Managing Your Life Pat Scheib Academic Support Services Pennsylvania College of Technology

Where will you be 5 years from now? 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 Where will you be 5 years from now?

Your plan for where you want to be 5 years from now is a “long-term goal”: Take 2 minutes: Grab a pen and paper and complete the following sentence: “Five years from now, I will be . . . “

Characteristics of Attainable Goals Specific Written Measurable Action-Oriented Realistic Time-bound Own it

Achieving a long-term goal is like building a pyramid: Medium-range goals Short-term goals Long-Term Goal 5 years from now 1-2 years from now Medium-range Goals Daily/weekly habits & assignments Short-Term Goals What will you do this week to build this foundation of short-term goals?

What other short-term goals could you add to this list? Build your foundation with effective, short-term goals for a successful semester: What other short-term goals could you add to this list?

Set several mid-range goals you want to achieve in a year or so: Once you meet your short-term goals, your mid-range goals will follow much more easily.

Keep reminding yourself of the long-term goal you are working for. As the semester or the year ends, you will replace short-term and mid-range goals with new ones.

Each goal you reach, builds towards the next . . . First House 2 bedroom, mountain-side, home theater system, Bachelor’s Degree w/ 3.55 GPA Dream Job $40,000 Financial Independence New Mustang (Midnight Blue)

A few hints to help you stay on track with your goals: Remind yourself of your goals – allow yourself to dream about them. Change your short-term goals if they are not working for you. Recognize obstacles and avoid or eliminate them. Be realistic, but aim higher than you think you can achieve – you will usually surprise yourself.

Obstacles and Roadblocks: Take 2 minutes to write down 3 possible obstacles that might get in the way of achieving your goal. How much control do you have over these issues? What can you do to eliminate or avoid these obstacles?

Powerful short-term goals to practice weekly: Get up at the same time every morning Establish a regular schedule for yourself Use a to-do list or appointment calendar to keep track of assignments and appointments Spend at least 20-25 hours a week on schoolwork outside of class Study in small bits of time (not study marathons) Get most of your studying done before 6:00 p.m. Find a study partner and form study groups Stop in the Prof’s office during office hours Take a study skills class Keep up with reading assignments Meet with the instructor after the first exam to learn from your mistakes.