GOAL SETTING
A
goal
is something you want to achieve.
A
short-term goal
is something you want to achieve soon.
Examples of short-term goals are finishing your homework and doing
well on tomorrow’s test.
A
long-term goal
is something you want to achieve at some later date.
Examples of long-term goals are writing a paper and passing a class.
To set appropriate goals, you must know what is important for you to
accomplish. Then you must set specific and clearly stated goals so that your
effort will have direction and focus in order to achieve success. It is important
to write down both your short-term and long-term goals so you can refer
back to them.
To help in this goal setting process, make sure each goal states
the following:
•
What
you will do
•
When
you will accomplish it
•
Always begin each goal with “I will...”
•
For example:
I will finish gathering information for my research paper
(what)
by November 20
(when)
.
Your goals should be:
• Within your skills and abilities.
Knowing your strengths and
weaknesses will help you set goals you can accomplish.
• Realistic.
Do not try to do too much or too little.
• Flexible.
Sometimes things will not go the way you anticipate,
and you may need to change your goals.
• Measurable.
It is important to be able to measure your progress
toward a goal. It is especially important to recognize when you
have accomplished your goal and need to go no further.
• Within your control.
Other than working as part of a group,
accomplishment of your goal should not depend on other students.
You can control what you do, but you have little or no control over
what others do.
Many times your parents and teachers will set goals for you.
They can also help you accomplish these goals.
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