Goal Setting   by Grandpa Chuck

In a recent survey of Grandparents they were asked if they made any goals for themselfs.  Of those responding 1/3 (33%) replied that yes they did. On the other side the remaining 2/3 (67%) said that they never had set any goals.

Goal setting is a very powerful tool that will help you set priorities in your life by writing down on paper what you want to accomplish both short term and long term in your life. They can be used as a benchmark at a later time to judge your progress in working towards these goals.

In setting goals you can:

. Get more accomplished

. Improve you motivation and performance to reach your goals.

. Increase self-esteem by reaching your goals

. Set down a plan on paper that will assist in understanding what it is you want to achieve in life.

Before beginning you need to decide in what areas you want to set goals. Shown below are some of the questions you should ask yourself:

. Do you want to improve your attitude and outlook on life?

. Is there a change you would like to make in your job or career?

. Would you like to further your education?

. Make plans for retirement?

. Is there a place you would like to visit?

. Would you like to meet new friends?

. Do you want learn to write or paint?

. Get your weight down, stop smoking, or exercise more?

Now go through your list and delete any goals that are not realistic. Then assign your goals a priority from 1 to 5. Next list the steps you can take to achieve your goals. What additional information do you need to realize your goal? Do you need to learn any additional skills to meet your goal? What resources and organizations are available to help you reach your goals?

If you have never in the past set goals start with small ones. Set a time to review your progress either monthly or quarterly. As you gain a better understanding of how goals work and after you have completed goals add to your list.

In summary remember to:  Write your goals down on paper.

. Set goals that describe something you really want to accomplish.

. Set goals by category, Family, Financial, Educational, Career, Spiritual, Physical, or Social.

. Be positive when listing your goals. For example, "I want to weight less." not "I don’t want to be fat." "I want to be a non-smoker" not "I don’t want to smoke"

. Provide information as to how you plan to reach your goal, what aids are available to help you, and how long it will take to reach the goal.

.Set a date when you expect to have the goal completed. Review your progress at set intervals.