The Importance of Setting Goals

Even if you are on the right track - you'll get run over if you just sit there.
- Arthur Godfrey

Setting goals can be one of the most important things you do for your future. It is not enough to just say what you want to do or have in your life. You have to make a conscious effort to make things happen! The best way to make things happen in your life is to set a goal and do what it takes to get there. Maybe you have done this already and didn't really know that you had actually set a goal and achieved it. For example, when you got your current job. You set out to get a job and you got it. There are probably many more details to the story, but the bottom line is that you set a goal. Next time you set a goal, set your sights high and you will be surprised what you can achieve!

The Goals Guy website has some great information on goal setting. Answer the following questions regarding goal setting in complete sentences:

In the Goals Guy website from the KNOWLEDGE link the TEN STEPS TO ACHIEVING ANY GOAL are listed below. Write down your specific ten steps for a goal you have in mind. If you have a problem thinking of a goal, go to the TEN GOALS WORTH PURSUING link.

1. Write It Down
Goals are specific, measurable, and time-bounded. Write your goals so that they reflect all three components.

Your goal: __________________________________________________________________


2. List Your Personal Benefits
Identify exactly "Why" you want to achieve this goal. List all the ways you will you benefit personally.

Why do you want to achieve this goal? _____________________________________________

3. Analyze Your Current Position
Success is information dependent. You need integrity in your information. Identify exactly your specific strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities as it relates to achieving this goal.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Identify Obstacles and Risks
List everything that could possibly prevent you from achieving this goal.
_________________________________________________________________________


5. Identify Investments and Sacrifices
List everything, including time, money, and sacrifices that you can anticipate.
_________________________________________________________________________


6. Knowledge Requirements
Identify what additional knowledge you need to acquire or have access to.
___________________________________________________________________________


7. Support Team
List the people, groups, and organizations you may need help from as well as the specific role each one plays.
___________________________________________________________________________


8. Develop Your Plan
List in chronological order each activity and their corresponding target dates for completion. Use all the information gathered in previous steps to develop your plan.
___________________________________________________________________________


9. Set a Deadline
Determine on what date you will achieve this goal
____________________________________________________________________________


10. Reward and Celebrate
Identify your reward for the achievement of this goal. You deserve it!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please print TEN THINGS EVERY KID SHOULD KNOW , read, circle or highlight what you already knew and turn in with your assignment.