Goal: Setting and Achieving

Goal Setting Goal = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (S.M.A.R.T.) objective Very crucial for groups A shared common goal defines who everyone is and what is expected of them Shared ownership Personal level Focuses personal effort on desired objectives

Goals Give you perspective and focus Help you know what to do, i.e. a MAP Avoid wasted time/effort Careful selection & planning Not merely wishes – something you can and will achieve Prioritize Allocate resources Concentration and focus

Goals "Goals provide a sense of direction and purpose” – Goldstein Studies have shown that specific challenging goals lead to higher performance than easy or no goals Not enough to say “do your best”. Must know what is expected Focus effort In groups, studies show that goal setting is more effective if entire group involved in setting the goals Common commitment and motivation

Goals: a caution Goals can be powerful motivators; however, When achieving “the goal” becomes more important than “doing the right thing,” goals can be a hindrance Can lead to unethical behavior to “look good” Keep in mind the REAL goal To return to Our Heavenly Father….

Activity Priorities Most things we do ‘fit’ into one of four quadrants: Important and urgent (I) Important but not urgent (II) Urgent but not important (III) Not urgent and not important (IV) I II III IV Urgent Important Not Important Not Urgent

Using and Selecting Goals You must really want your goal – don’t choose something because it sounds good (be S.M.A.R.T.) A goal must be possible (i.e., realistic) and not contradict any of your other goals e.g. I’ll never play in the NBA… Set goals in all areas of your life Lead a balance life Goals should be positive not negative Work for what you want – not for what you want to leave behind Positive goals lead to positive goals Thinking positively in everyday life will also help in your growth as a human being. Don't limit it to goal setting.

Using and Selecting Goals Write your goal out (in detail) This becomes a plan… Include how and when Writing down goals gives subconscious mind a task to work on Chose high goals Shoot for the moon, if you miss you'll still be in the stars. Share your goal with someone who you care about and has a positive attitude Encouragement

Action Plan Prioritized list of tasks needed to carry out a single goal Simple, but very useful To draw up an Action Plan: First, list the tasks that you need to carry out to achieve your goal Arrange them in the order that you need to complete them Review and revise as necessary Action plans best for small projects, where you don't need to co- ordinate other people For nore sophisticated projects may need additional tools Gant charts, etc.

Achieving Goals Keep goal in mind, “desire it” with passion Focus the mind and work Always do the right thing When you make a decision, ask yourself this question, “Does it take me closer to, or further from my goal.” If the answer is “closer to” then you've made the right decision If the answer is “further from” you know what to do… Success follows

Achieving goals Review goals and plans frequently Assess progress Renew commitment Review S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timely) Change goals and plans if needed… Make adjustments in behavior to stay on plan Be positive Do it!

Getting More Specific Now…take that goal and write down 3-4 specific steps towards that goal… Example: I want to improve my physical condition Discuss with spouse for moral/physical support Formulate several potential menus and shop Get to bed early and rise for physical exercise