Tip of the Month -- September 2007

Goal Setting

Goals are specific events that you recognize as important in your life to achieve. A goal is a specific, measurable result. The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in life. This helps you concentrate your efforts in these areas to achieve your goals. Properly setting goals can be motivating and self confidence building upon achieving the goals.

First you start with the big picture of what you would like to achieve. Second, you break that down to a series of smaller, more attainable goals. Finally, once you have your plan you start working to achieve it.

Setting goals is much more than a glorified “to do” list. Goals are a way of measuring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of your actions. If you do not reach your goal by your target date, it is an opportunity to look and see:

a: If you are truly committed to your goal

b: If the actions that you have been taking are appropriate

SMART- acronym for characteristics found in effective goal setting

Specific/Sensible

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Time bound

Goal Setting Techniques

1. Always state your goals in the POSITIVE PRESENT TENSE. If you write them in the future, they may remain in the future, never attained.

2. Personalize your goals: use a pronoun (I, We, They) in every sentence.

3. Make your goals real; something you know you can accomplish on your own.

5. Do not use the terms “try”, “not”, “should”, “would”, “could”, “want”.

6. Include deadline dates whenever possible.

7. Have Fun!!!

Reasons to set Goals

1. Success comes from having goals.

2 Goals reduce stress

3. The main cause of long life us having a purpose.

4. Happiness requires goals. Every time you achieve something positive you experience happiness.

5. Goals give you energy (motivation)

6. Goals make you unique.

7. Goal setting is fun