Goal Setting

There are two parts to goal setting. There is having a vision and setting goals. According to Webster, a vision is “a thought, concept or object formed by the imagination.” In other words, a vision is our think big statement, our dream for the future or the result of a brainstorm session.

Why might we need a vision? Because it allows us to focus on what we really want to accomplish instead of getting side tracked with other options that might come up. A vision also creates passion and answers the question of why we are doing something – both of which can help keep us focused.

However, as best stated by Joel A Barker: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” So, how do put action to our vision? We need to have SMART goals. SMART goals help break down a big vision into manageable tasks.

A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. If a goal is truly a SMART goal, then you will be able to know if you achieved your goal or not. Words like “more” or “better” should be avoided in a goal because they can’t be measured. For example, “I want to be a better student”, is not a SMART goal because you can’t measure what better means. However, “I will study two hours a day this semester”, is a SMART goal because it specifies the action you are going to take, has a measurable task (studying two hours a day), is attainable (you have two hours a day to study), relevant (studying helps improve grades), and time-bound (applies to this semester). At the end of the semester, you can reflect back to see if you actual did study two hours a day.

 Action items:

1. Write your personal vision. What do you want to accomplish this year, in 5 years or even 10 years?
   • Write personal SMART goals to help you achieve your vision.

2. What is your committee/officer/Ambassador vision for the program?
   • Write SMART goals for the vision.
   • Share the SMART goals with other Ambassadors, fellow officers and committee members.

Questions? Ask Alicia Harstad.