Cycle 1 Session 3 - Setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals

Self-Reflection Questions 

WHO's position in any business/company do you prefer to be in?

WHAT work, training, or experience do you currently have?

WHERE are you most comfortable working indoors, outdoors, sitting, driving, etc?

WHY should you keep a goal board/box/file/book?

WHEN working on tasks with others, how does that usually work out? Example.

HOW often should you update your goal/s?

Setting S.M.A.R.T. E.R. Goals

Specific – What specifically would you like to see yourself accomplish? Have you set up a plan or done any research on how this goal can be accomplished? Take an online Career Aptitude Test if you are unsure and see if you agree with the outcome. 

Measurable– How much time will you need to spend each day to achieve your short and long-term goals? Set a schedule. 

Attainable -  Is this goal something that you can attain mostly by yourself? Have you identified what outside support you will need? Training, degrees, grants, licenses, helpers, etc. 

Realistic – Do you have the material and resources to realistically start and finish your goal? Do you have a backup plan for unforeseen occurrences? Have you done your research?  

Trackable – Are you keeping detailed notes of your plan in a safe, accessible place? Do you have backup notes and ideas as well?  Don't let what's important to you fall apart due to carelessness or bad organizational skills.  

Edit – Make sure your goals are always updated and flexible. Adjust your goals as much as you need to. Set check-in dates. 

Reward - As you reach each goal, don't forget to pat yourself on the back. You've worked hard to accomplish every goal. Write down some ways you plan to reward yourself after accomplishing your goals.

 Start simple 

1. Write one short-term goal. Something you can accomplish within "the next 3 days". (clean out a closet)  

2.  Write down the steps you need to accomplish this goal. (call donation places, get boxes, etc)

3. Write how you plan to reward yourself when that goal is completed. (take a bubble bath)

Self-Reflection Points

• Don't climb the mountain in one day; start simple with setting weekly or daily goals. When you are keeping up at a steady pace, then set more challenging goals. Be realistic with yourself.

• If you are unable to take physical steps towards your goals, you can do other things. ie, read books, do research, start small, start a goal journal, and be creative and make a vision board. 

•  Be mindful of spending too much time talking to uninterested people. Invest your time. Use it wisely. Time is one of your most valuable resources.  Besides, you can show people better than you can tell them.

•  You can't be at the right place at the right time if you are always in the wrong place. Be mindful of where you spend your time. Is it conducive to your purpose? 

•  Working at a fast-food restaurant may seem like just a job for some people, but not for a person who wants to become a chef or a restaurant business owner one day. Go where the action is! Strike up a conversation, you'll be surprised at how many people like talking about how they accomplished their goals. You may even discover that you want to do something else. Continue searching.

• Pour into yourself, it will be the best investment you'll ever make. Be S.M.A.R.T.E.R.!

"If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail!” Benjamin Franklin’s most famous quote.