Week  5

 

In week 5 we learned the importance of effective goal setting, and the 7 characteristics of a successful goal setter. When setting goals you want to make sure that they have these characteristic. I will list the characteristics below:

1. Set your own goals. When you set your own goal you are more prone to accomplish it. A lot of times people have goals for our lives that we are not ready for, or not interested in all together. It may be your mothers goal for you to become a doctor. This is a goal she has set, but in actuality, you've always wanted to be a musician. Starting medical school would not be a good ideal, you would be less likely to work hard because this is not a goal you have chosen, so you are not fully invested in attaining this goal.

2. Choose a moderately challenging goal: Be sure to choose a goal that is challenging but attainable. When choosing a goal, a good way to know how high to set the bar is to look at your previous behavior. Although we can change, and improve our work ethic over time, this is still a good tool to use when setting goals.

3. Choose a realistic goal: When choosing a goal you want to make sure it is realistic. You want to make sure that the goal you have set is attainable. When you set a realistic goal you are more likely to achieve it.

4. Choose a measurable goal: Always choose a goal that has no gray area. When setting a goal be sure that you will be able to easily determine whether or not you have attained the goal. Setting a goal like "I will try to lose 10 before summer" is not a measurable goal, because if you don't  lose the 10 pounds you set out to lose you could still say well I tried. A better goal will be " I will lose 10 pounds by summer". Setting a goal in this fashion will insure that you have a clear answer as to whether or not your goal has been accomplished.

5. Set specific goals: When setting goals you want to set specific goals, where as to insure that you know exactly what you are trying to accomplish. The  more specific your goal is the more focused you'll be on accomplishing the goal.

6. Set goals with time frames: You want to be sure there is a deadline on your goal. Without deadlines we often put off our goals, and fail to achieve them. Setting deadlines keeps you focused on what you are trying to accomplish and holds you accountable to a certain schedule.

7. Set positive goals: In my opinion this is the most important characteristic of a successful goal setter. A positive attitude is essential to ones success in any aspect. When it comes to goal setting, there is no difference. Setting positive goals will motivate you to achieve the goal at hand. Instead of saying " I will not miss more than 1 Sunday this month from church". A better goal would be " I will make it to church 3 times this month".

If you follow these characteristic when setting goals it will increase your chances of achieving your goals.

Another helpful tool to use when setting your goals is to use The 5 step approach to goal setting.

Step 1. Write down your goal
Step 2. Write down you obstacles. Your obstacles are the things that could hinder your from accomplishing your goal
Step 3. Write down your resources. Your resources are the things that will aid your with attaining your goal.
Step 4. Write down the thing, or things that will motivate you to accomplish this goal
Step 5. Revise your goal statement.

Using this 5 step approach is a great way to insure that you have clearly weighed all you options when setting a goal.  Below you will find a example of The 5 Step Approach to Goal Setting.

 Goal: Get at least a B in all my classes this semester

Obstacles	Resources
Long work hours	1. I will get a head start on my assignments
1. Just started a Part time Job	2. I will read on my lunch hour
2. Several vacations scheduled this summer	3. I will take my work with me on vacation
3. C average in high school	4. Ask for help when I don’t understand
4. I Have not attended school in several years	5. Take a refresher course
5. Fall behind because I don’t have to report daily	6. I will set a schedule and stick to it
6. Hanging out with friends	7. I will cut back on socializing

Motivation: Keeping a “B” average will be helpful when applying for nursing school.

Revised Goal: I will keep a B average in all my classes this semester