AC104 Goal Setting

Key learning points (extracted from ICA reading)

Structuring goals
There is a system to be able to create goals. To just say we want something isn’t enough. We must provide a structure for creating what we want in our life. There is an acronym that is often used to describe powerful goals which helps us to evaluate whether we have thoroughly thought them through. It is S.M.A.R.T and stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound.
Specific
– Goals should be specific. Saying you want to earn more money isn’t enough. How much more money do you want to earn?
Measurable
– Goals must be measurable. If the goal is not measurable, then how will you know you can obtain it? For example, when you state how much money you want to make, you now have something to measure and will know when you can obtain it.
Achievable
– Goals should be a stretch, but still achievable. If the goal is too far out of reach, it will not be motivating. Its important to have big dreams in your life but in order to keep yourself motivated you may want to break these down into smaller, more achievable goals. For example, you may have a desire to be financially independent so that you can quit your job and volunteer overseas in a developing country, but this dream is about 10 years away, minimum. Perhaps a more achievable goal that is still aligned with the bigger dream is to pay off your house so that you no longer have mortgage demands.
Realistic
– While you reach for the sky it’s important to know your limitations. For instance, a 56-year old man who has no political experience, who wants to set a goal of being President of the United States in the next five years, is setting a goal that is not realistic. However, setting a goal for more political involvement such as running for local office or working on a political campaign is a very realistic and worthwhile goal. Unrealistic goals are dispiriting and can prevent people from moving forward at all.
Time bound
– To make a goal compelling it must be time bound. The question to ask a client when setting goals is “By when?” The date can always be adjusted, but it gives the client something to work towards and is motivating.


Goal Achievement Process
1. Set the Goal.
2. List the resources needed to achieve it.
3. List the assets you currently have to make it possible.
4. Identify any blocks or obstacles standing in the way.
5. List any significant milestones to reach along the way (with dates).
6. List the actions required to meet the first milestone by a given date.
7. Build in a reward or celebration for when you do reach the goal.