Goal Setting

A goal is a concrete action, event or outcome that you strive to obtain. Goals enrich our lives, give us energy, create a sense of purpose and give us a road map.

Goals are specific. Remember, “hazy goals get hazy results.”
Effective goals are broken down into measurable steps such as:
- "Each day I will identify three positive things about my work” or
- “I will conduct two informational interviews every month.”
Goals are aligned with your values.
Goals are realistic and reasonably attainable.
Goals are designed within a realistic time frame with specific deadlines.
Goals are flexible; they can be altered as change or new awareness occurs and as new information is received.
A written goal has a greater chance of being accomplished; when a goal is written down it seems real.
Evaluate whether you achieve your goals. If you set goals that are measurable then you have criteria with which to evaluate them.
Plan for both short-term and long-term goals.
Celebrate achieving your goals!

Describes how each goal will be measured (numeric or descriptive).
Answers the questions:
- How will I know when the result has been achieved?
- How will I verify the achievement/performance of this goal?
- To what level do we need to achieve this result?
Focus on elements such as observable actions, quantity, quality, cycle time, efficiency and/or flexibility to measure outcomes.

Identifies actions to be taken or results to be achieved that will contribute to the achievement of a larger objective within a specified period of time.
Uses concrete action verbs, such as create, design, develop, implement, produce, etc.

The individual has the capabilities (skills, knowledge), tools or resources to accomplish this goal.
The goal is appropriate in scope.
The goal is realistic even with other commitments.
The goal is within the individual’s power and influence.
The goal may be a stretch, but still feasible one step at a time.