Goal Setting The Key to Managing Your Life

Goal Setting: The Key to Managing Your Life Pat Scheib Academic Support Services Pennsylvania College of Technology

Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I’ll give you a man who will make. Where history. will Giveyou me abe man with no goals and I’ll givenow? you a stock 5 years from clerk. --J. C. Penney

Your plan for where you want to be 5 years from now is a “long-term goal”: Take 2 minutes: • Grab a pen and paper and complete the following sentence: “Five years from now, I will be. . . “

Characteristics of Attainable Goals • • Specific Written Measurable Action-Oriented Realistic Time-bound Own it

Achieving a long-term goal is like building a pyramid: • Long-term goal 5 years from now Long. Term Goal • Medium-range goals 1 -2 years from now Medium-range Goals • Short-term goals Daily/weekly habits & assignments Short-Term Goals What will you do this week to build this foundation of shortterm goals?

Build your foundation with effective, short-term goals for a successful semester: What other short-term goals could you add to this list?

Set several mid-range goals you want to achieve in a year or so: Once you meet your short-term goals, your midrange goals will follow much more easily.

Keep reminding yourself of the long-term goal you are working for. As the semester or the year ends, you will replace short-term and mid-range goals with new ones.

Each goal you reach, builds towards the next. . . First House 2 bedroom, mountain-side, home theater system, Dream Bachelor’s Degree Financial Job Independence $40, 000 w/ 3. 55 GPA New Mustang (Midnight Blue)

A few hints to help you stay on track with your goals: • Remind yourself of your goals – allow yourself to dream about them. • Change your short-term goals if they are not working for you. • Recognize obstacles and avoid or eliminate them. • Be realistic, but aim higher than you think you can achieve – you will usually surprise yourself.

Obstacles and Roadblocks: • Take 2 minutes to write down 3 possible obstacles that might get in the way of achieving your goal. • How much control do you have over these issues? • What can you do to eliminate or avoid these obstacles?

Powerful short-term goals to practice weekly: • Get up at the same time every morning • Establish a regular schedule for yourself • Use a to-do list or appointment calendar to keep track of assignments and appointments • Spend at least 20 -25 hours a week on schoolwork outside of class • Study in small bits of time (not study marathons) • Get most of your studying done before 6: 00 p. m. • Find a study partner and form study groups • Stop in the Prof’s office during office hours • Take a study skills class • Keep up with reading assignments • Meet with the instructor after the first exam to learn from your mistakes.