Goal Setting

Whether or not you write New Year’s resolutions, our society values achievement.  Great achievements are accomplished by setting goals.  For children, learning to set and accomplish goals are skills that carry into adulthood.  

There are many books, experts, websites, and opinions on goal-setting.  People who set a fitness goal often hire a personal trainer; people who set career or life goals hire a coach.  A search on the Internet for “goals” will return thousands of results.

One strategy for goal development and achievement is SMART.  Goals must be

Specific – write them out clearly and exact
Measurable–the end result must be written so that you can measure your success
Attainable –the goal must be within reach!
Realistic  - ditto!!
Timely – put a deadline on the goal or it will only end up as a dream never realized.  Many people find it helpful to break down the goal into small tasks and assign due dates to the tasks. 

Sometimes, Ijust think of my end result.   Rememberthe article about asking questions?  Iuse questions to achieve my goals. 

1. What do I want?
2. When do I want to have it?
3. What are the steps required between here and there?
4. What do I need to do next?

Several years ago, my big goal was buying my first home. It was a huge goal for me, and I was unfamiliar with the process. Everyday I would ask, “What do I do next?”  Then, I would just focus on doing that one task.  It made a big and scary goal much easier.

This year make some personal goals, help your child with setting a goal, and set a family goal.   Plan out your execution carefully and enjoy success!

Until next time – find a way to show as well as tell your child, “I love you.”

My best,

Tess Haranda

Personal life, career, executive coach

www.successwithtess.com