Setting Goals

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How to set a goal and achieve it?

Setting goals can be a difficult process. You may feel unsure about where you want to go, which can make it tough to state your goals clearly. Here's an exercise you can do to begin to move from vague statements like "I want to be successful", "I want to be happy" or the one we all rely on too often "I don't know" to clear goals.

Things to consider:

Ask yourself: How would I like to see myself after a certain period?

Ask yourself: How are things different from today?

Make a list of the things you'd like to be different. Try and make your list as specific as possible, including your feelings, relationships, activities, health, performance, etc.

See if you can turn these ideas into a specific goal or goals you'd like to tackle between now and then.

If done without planning and intention, a goal could inadvertently hurt a growth mindset. Most people might fail with a vague or lofty goal and then think, “See? I can't do it anyway.” Just by setting a goal, you are taking an active role in driving new and better results in your life. When tackled correctly, they force you out of your comfort zone and help you grow more than you would without them.

Any and every goal achieved should be acknowledged and rewarded in some way. The longer the goal takes to achieve, such as over the course of the year, the reward may be larger.

SMART goal setting method

Specific

Don't say “I want to get better GPA” say “I will get 8 or higher on my report card.”

Measurable

Make sure your goal is measurable; in this case, it can be measured by looking at your report card when the next grading period ends.

Attainable

Keep your goals attainable or achievable; don't say “I will make all straight As on my next report card,” rather say “I will raise all my grades by one letter by my next report card.”

Realistic & Relevant

Goals need to be realistic to achieve and relevant to the student; if the student doesn't care about their grades, they won't care about their goal.

Time-related & Trackable

Encourage students to put a realistic time frame on their goals; don't set a goal to raise your grades by next week or next year, set a goal to raise them by your next progress report or the end of the term.

It is important to move from wishing to goal setting. According to recent studies, only 20% of the population sets goals, and as many as 92% of those goals are never achieved. It's been said that goal without a plan is just a wish!

“A Goal is a dream with ACTION behind it.”