SMART Goals

Goals vs Dreams Dream you just think about, goals you actually plan

Short Term Goals/Tactile Goals When you want to achieve something quickly…you can accomplish short term goals in the NEAR future!! Example: Finishing your homework on time

Long term goal/Strategic Something you want to achieve in the more distant future- maybe a year from now or maybe even more distant than that. Example: – Graduating from college – Buying a car

How can goal setting benefit you? How can goal setting benefit your life? Creates a path and provides guidance for your future Helps make the life you want to live a reality Helps with decision making Helps create well-being

Is it realistic to write goals for every decision you make? Routine DecisionsMajor Decisions Explanatio n Example Goal? Daily decisions that don’t require a lot of thought Require thought, effort, time, personal discipline What to wear in the morning What to do after high school graduation Is it realistic to write goals for routine decisions? Important to write goals for major decisions

To Goal or Not To Goal? Underline items in your letter that could be achieved by writing down a goal Which of the following decisions would you write a goal for? When you will purchase a car When you will complete your homework this evening What you will eat for lunch Which extra- curricular activities you will participate in

Critical Thinking Is the ability to be honest, rational, and open-minded. You consider all possibilities before rushing to judgments.

Objective vs Subjective Objective: – You look objectively at information – Means fairly without emotion or prejudice Subjective – Use your values, standards, and ethics to interpret the information subjectively – Affected by existing opinions, feelings and beliefs

Elements of a successful goal… S M A R T Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Time Bound

Lacey’s Example Current GoalSPECIFIC Goal S = Specific Clearly defined end result I will reduce my debt. I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan.

Lacey’s Example Current GoalMEASURABLE Goal M = Measurable Determine exactly when you will know that the goal has been met. I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000. I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan.

Lacey’s Example Current GoalATTAINABLE Goal A = Attainable Create a step-by-step plan outlining exactly how the goal can be reached. Goals must be something you are capable of reaching. I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000. Lacey has an extra $100 to spend: I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000 by paying an extra $100 per week

R- Realistic The goal must be an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. Again, it must be “do-able” People must believe it can be accomplished

Lacey’s Example Current GoalREALISTIC Goal R = Realistic I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000 by paying an extra $100 per week. Lacey has determined that paying her car loan is more important than any other use of her money. The opportunity cost of paying her car loan is higher than the alternative of saving that money.

Lacey’s Example Current GoalTIME BOUND Goal T = Time Bound Specifically state when the goal will be reached Consider whether your goals are short-term or long-term I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000 by paying an extra $100 per week. I will reduce the amount I owe on my car loan by $1,000 in 10 weeks by paying an extra $100 per month.

Why are emotions a problem? Emotions can affect critical thinking! Not necessary bad, but its not necessarily good! Example: Skipping class bc you are angry about a low grade might seem like a good choice at the time, but the consequence might be more low grades.

Qualities of a good leader Respect others Know how to compromise Know how to communicate

Milestones a series of short term goals achieved in the process of working toward a long-term goal (think of stepping stones)

Questions Why are emotions a problem when making a decision? List all the qualities of a good leader. Summary Write a long term or short term goal.