Goal Setting
Adapted from chapter two, "Setting Goals and Solving Problems," in The Confident Student by Carol Kanar
Characteristics of Reachable Goals
A reachable goal is realistic. Set goals that are realistic for your situation, your skills, talents and interests. For weekly goals, don't choose something that is uncharacteristically demanding for you. You can always do more than your stated goal so build in success by choosing something realistic.
A reachable goal is believable and possible. You are the key person here so don't set a goal that you don't believe in. Make sure that you believe you can do it and that it is possible to do in the time you've set aside.
A reachable goal is measurable. If your long term goal is "to be successful" you will be more likely to reach that goal if you say it in concrete and specific terms. For instance, you might say that you want to be earning $40,000 a year by the time you are 28. For a weekly goal, move beyond statements like I want to do better in all my classes. Instead, promise your self that you will read two chapters of history by Saturday.
A reachable goal is flexible. Sometimes our plans change; sometimes we get sick. Be prepared to reassess and revise your goal if necessary. If you are too sick to study, you may have to revise your goal of reading two chapters of history by extending the time to Monday.
A reachable goal is controllable. Make sure you are in charge of your goal. If friends suggest that the best way to pass a class is to study old tests but you know your learning style demands chapter outlines to get the material down, stick with what works for you. You are in control.
Now make a list of rewards that you might give yourself for meeting your weekly goal. A candy bar? A movie? A TV show? Promise yourself that you will get the reward if you meet your goal. Now you must be willing to withhold the reward if you don't make it! And there is no sense in saying that a movie will be your reward if you know very well that you are going to see it regardless. Make the reward real!!!
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Finally choose a goal and a reward for next week and write it below
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