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10 Goal-Setting Steps

by Sheldon Stevens on 2019-07-22T16:48:51-05:00 in Programs, Teen Programs, Teen Services | 0 Comments

Summer is almost over, and we only have a few teen programs left! If you want to attend, they are Black Hole Binge, Galaxy Glow Party, Game On, and Sweet Science. The Summer Reading Program logs are due this Friday, July 26th, and we'll be on hiatus until September. However, this is a great time to come up with some awesome goals before the school years starts!

A lot of people have trouble with goals, even adults. Sometimes they're too difficult to stick with or people don't see the point in them, but well thought-out goals can really help you stay on the track you want. Try these steps below:

  1. List your hopes, dreams, and wishes.

    What do you want? What inspires you? Something may seem unrealistic, but don't worry about that. Unless it is completely unrealistic like getting super powers.

  2. List your values.
    What do you want? What inspires you? Something may seem unrealistic, but don't worry about that. Unless it is completely unrealistic like getting super powers.
     
  3. List your talents, strengths, and skills.
    What are your good at? Think about all your talents, strengths, and skills, even if you're just developing them.
     
  4. Define your goal.

    Your goal should relate to your dreams, values, and strengths. It should be something you want, something that matters, and something you think you can do.
    Follow the Three Ps:
         -Keep it positive.
         -Make it personal.
         -Know it's possible.
    Also, make your goals SMART:
         -Specific
         -Measurable (e.g. I will read 100 books, I will apply to 15 schools, etc.)
         -Attainable
         -Relevant
         -Timely (e.g. I will achieve this in a week, three months, one year, etc.)

     
  5. Plan it out.

    Try working backwards and start with once you reach your goal. How did you get there? Plan is large steps (objectives) and break them into smaller steps (tasks). Depending on the goal, making a one-day plan, a one-week plan, a one-month plan, and a one-year plan. Brainstorm anything you'll need to reach all the steps (skills, resources, time, knowledge, information, help from others, etc.) and anticipate what might go wrong.

     
  6. Think performance, not outcome.
    You can control your performance but not necessarily your outcome. The actual outcome can be affected by outside sources and if it doesn't work out, then you'll feel like a failure (even though you're not).

  7. Write it all down.

    Put everything you can on paper and fill in as many details as possible. It's not permanent and you can always adjust your plans, but this helps you to see it all and be able to keep it in motion.
     

  8. Track your progress.
    Every day (or week or month), check your status in regards to your goal. Personally, I like being able to check off the steps I've accomplished.

     
  9. Be flexible.
    Don't be afraid to revise your plan if it needs it, because how you reach it is totally up to you.
     
  10. Reward yourself at each step.

    Small steps deserve small rewards and big steps deserve large rewards!



    Sources:
    Espeland, P. (2003). Life Lists for Teens: Tips, steps, hints, and how-tos for growing up, getting along, learning, and having fun. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.


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