"A goal properly set is halfway reached." Abraham Lincoln

Take the following steps to “properly" find goals to set and keep them realistic:

Brainstorm

  • Free-write. Jot down ideas as they come to you without evaluating or editing them until all possible smart goal setting has been captured.
  • Make an idea web. Ideas go in the center circle, details in the smaller circles.
  • Experiment with mind-mapping software such as FreeMind, MindNode, or MyMind, all of which you can download from the Internet for free.

Goals To Set

Pick a goal. That’s right, just one. Once you accomplish your first goal, you can celebrate and move on to the next goal.

Goal Setting and Success

All right all you goal setting students: select a goal that you can accomplish in weeks or months, not years. For example, if your long-term goal is to become a ballet dancer, set a goal of practicing for an hour a day for a month. Assess your progress after a month and then set the next goal.

Be Specific When You Have Goals To Set

The goal “I will be nicer to my sister” isn’t specific enough.  Ask yourself the question, “How?” Answer: “I will invite my sister to go shopping or to a movie at least once a week.”  For help focusing on your goals, take the "'Get These Goals in Line' Challenge."

Measure It!

A realistic goal is one that can be measured, either by time or amount. 

Getting Motivated

A goal that is too hard can be discouraging. Breaking a challenging goal down into steps (see EduGuide ShortCut: "Achieve Your Goals") can help keep your spirits up and give you the mini-successes you need to stay focused.

Stay Positive

Positive goals are motivating (see EduGuide ShortCut: "Use Affirmations and Visualization"). Word your goal in a positive way: “I will get a B in English” instead of  “I’ll stop flunking English.”

Write it Down

Make your goal real by writing it down, perhaps in your goal journal if you are keeping one (see EduGuide ShortCut: "Make a Goal Journal").
Need practice writing realistic goal statements? Try the “Get These Goals in Line!” Challenge.


Sources: it-career-coach.net; calpoly.edu; careerplanning.about.com;
timethoughts.com/timemanagement