Goal setting

How to set them. How to get them.

Ever dreamed of having fame and fortune? Maybe just being content and happy with what you have? A goal is something we want or need, where the driving force is ourselves.

There are many goals that we aim for in life:

• Getting good marks at school
• Saving up for something
• Going on holidays or travelling
• Getting a driver's licence
• Having the perfect job
• Getting into a course that you want
• Becoming the best in your field whether it be sport, creative, academic

It can, at times, seem hard to reach our goals especially when many of us don't try or know where to start.

Goal setting - a skill

Goal Setting is a skill that we can use to get something, or somewhere - to make our dreams and passions a reality. It can be fairly simple to do and effective in giving you direction and a focus towards what you want or need. The best way to describe it would be like trying to hit a bulls eye on a dartboard. If you take aim to try and hit the bullseye then you will have more of a chance of hitting it than if you were aiming the dart just anywhere (unless you fluke it!!!)

Being able to set goals is a great tool for life. If you know exactly what you are aiming for and what you need to do to get there then you are more likely to reach your goals and gain the rewards from getting there.

So what would it be like if everyone thought that having goals was a waste of time? We would all be annoyed, bored, frustrated or unhappily floating around not really getting anywhere!

How do you set your own goals?

Anyone can have goals, your goals might be similar to others, but everyone's goals will be different in some way. Here are a few tips that can help you in setting your goals.

Design Your Goals

A good start would be to think about all the things you really want to achieve or need. It might help to write these down. Then think about how long you need to get to each goal. You can also put your goals into categories; daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. Short term goals are ones that might take a day, weeks or a few months and long term goals are those that might take months or a few years. By designing your own goals, you'll be happier with the final result because you will have achieved what you want.

Aim High AND Be realistic

Make your goals physically possible (you probably won't ever be able to grow wings) but at the same time your goals may seem a little out of reach. If you know of a way to get there and are prepared to work hard, then go for it!!!

Write Your Goals Down

This will give you a focus and a clear picture of what it is you want. When writing your goal write it in a positive way. Instead of "Stop spending so much money", try "Save $100 over the next month".

Be Specific

When writing your goals down include:

• What you exactly want or need
• When you want it by - give yourself a deadline. For example: "I want to get a majority of A's in English by the end of the year "
• Come up with a plan to reach your goals

Make a plan

A plan is important because it acts like a road map and shows you how to reach your goals. Remember to break down your big or long term goals into smaller pieces.

Your plan might include:

• Short term goals
  
• Steps to reach your goals
  
• What help or support you might need from others along the way and who can give you this support
  
• A set time in the future to review how far you've come and your goals

Be prepared for obstacles

 In reaching any goal there can be hurdles. It can be frustrating when you can't reach your goals fast enough or if you encounter obstacles that get in the way of your goals. When you hit obstacles, use your problem solving skills to work out how you can overcome it. Once you do overcome it think about what you have learnt so you can deal with future obstacles and problems. Obstacles can be a hassle but if you overcome them you will still be on the road to reaching your goals.

Getting Help to Stick to Your Goals

 Hang around with people who have similar goals to you or who can support you to reach your goals - this will benefit all who are striving for a goal, "together we stand divided we fall." Support and encouragement will keep your desire for the goal burning and remind you that when you persist, you will get there. Also, don't forget to give yourself positive messages and encouragement.

Revise Your Goals

Every month or so have a good look at your goals. Take note of your progress, and it might help to tick off those things you have done to help you on your way. Come up with ways of rewarding yourself when you make progress towards your goals. Also there is nothing to say that your goals can't be changed, what is the point of aiming to save for a CD, if you want a new CD player even more? Revising your goals is a chance to check your progress and if you need to, change direction.

What if you don't reach your goal?

Maybe you can come up with other goals or look at other ways you can get to your goal. Maybe you need more time? Maybe you need more help? Always remember that persistence often pays off so if you still want your goal, keep trying.

It is important to strive for things you want in life and to pursue your dreams and passions. Having a sense of direction in one area of your life will also help you keep focused in other areas of your life. The sense of achievement that we feel once we have reached our goals is fantastic and really encourages us to keep going which is great for our mental health.

What are some of the other skills you need to help you reach your goals?

Problem solving

Persistence

Self -talk