Goal Setting Why Should You Use Goal Setting?

What is a Goal Anyway? According to Webster a goal is: the end toward which effort is directed. Goals are dreams and wants except a goal is more specific.

The Purpose of Goals The purpose of goals is to give you something that you want to enhance your life in some way, so the most important thing you need to know about goals is that you ought to have some.

Types of Goals Long Term Goals: 10-year, 5-year and 1-year goals Short Term Goals: goals for the next 9 months, 6 months and 3 months

How to Set Goals Learning how to set goals is as important as knowing what the goal should contain. What’s important to remember about setting goals is the correct F.R.A.M.E. of mind. What is meant by “frame of mind?” Each letter in the word “frame” illustrates the following:

F.R.A.M.E Fantasize - Dream your wildest dreams and make sure that your goals match your values. Ask yourself: what do you want to be doing in 1 year? 5 years? What kind of person do I want to be? Reality - Fantasies can become reality, depending on how hard you are willing to work for them. Aim - Define your goal(s) by striking a balance between Fantasy and Reality; set a high but realistic goal. Method – Be truthful to yourself by narrowing your choices or goals to the ones you really intend to accomplish. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Evaluation - Process the results, but don’t make it the last step; evaluation should be on going.

5 Qualities of Effective Goals S.M.A.R.T. Before you begin your goal setting process it is important to know what qualities your goals should embody. Effective goals have three important qualities. They are realistic, measurable, and reviewed.

SPECIFIC The Goal should be SPECIFIC enough so that we know exactly for what we are striving.

MEASURABLE A goal must be MEASURABLE. It should have concrete facts. You should be able to answer very specifically, when and how you will know you attained your goal.

ACTION ORIENTED ACTION-ORIENTED, declaring positive activity that will produce results.

REALISTIC A goal must be REALISTIC. Challenging yourself is an important part of goal setting. You want to aim high; however, you also need to be realistic.

TANGIBLE TANGIBLE meaning concrete and not vague.

4 Steps Toward Setting Effective Goals… 1. Set Goals 2. Identify possible strategies or objectives to reach each goal. 3. Select the best strategies 4. Outline specific plans to accomplish each strategy.

BE FLEXIBLE Be ready to re-adjust your goals and not give up on them. If they are too easy, they won't be worthwhile, and if they are too tough, and you will start thinking that the idea of goal setting is worthless. Remember, small victories lead to big successes.

Why Goals Fail The goal was not written down. Rewards for achieving the goals were not given. The goal was unrealistic or not specific enough. The goal is not really believable or little commitment exists. Keep changing or switching goals with the weather The person who set the goal has not told anyone else for added accountability, help and support. The goal was not incorporated into a realistic plan that includes measurements, timelines and resources.

The Benefits of Setting Goals Suffer less from stress and anxiety Concentrate better Show more self-confidence Perform better Are happier

S.M.A.R.T. Goals (5 Short & 5 Long) On a piece of loose leaf, write down your goal in as few words as possible. Step 1: Make your goal detailed and SPECIFIC (Who or What?) Step 2: Make your goal is MEASUREABLE (How will you know when the goal is accomplished?) Step 3: Make your goal ATTAINABLE. (Is it realistic or how can it be?) Step 4: Make your goal RELEVANT (Does this goal meet a need?) Step 5: Make your goal TIMELY. (Deadline)

S.M.A.R.T. Goal Ex. Become a doctor. I will be accepted to medical school. I will study 5-6 hours Monday-Friday. I can do this because I am good at biology and I will improve my studying habits. This goal will help me to be successful. I will accomplish this goal by 2019.