Let’s look at what a goal is verses a resolution. A resolution is a general wish to change something in your life. For example, read more books. Or be kind. These make it hard to figure out if you have actually accomplished the resolution and it is also difficult to figure out what steps you should take to complete the resolution.
A goal is a desired result you wish to achieve. For example, you may have a goal to read 100 fiction books in 2018. Or you may decide you would like to have a more organized desk.
How can you figure out if you have achieved these goals?
You have to decide what the outcome would look like. A more organized desk may have bins for homework, school supplies and makeup with nothing else on the desk. There are steps you can take to reach your desired result of an organized desk such as throw away all garbage, buy bins, sort items, etc.
But how do you set a goal and how do you know you have accomplished your goal?
Start by choosing your top 3 goals.
Use the SMART Goals sheet below to organize each goal.
Here are 6 steps to do just that:
1-Look back (briefly) over your 2017’s accomplishments.
2-Brainstorm a list of possible new goals for yourself -write approximately 20.
3-For teens-narrow list to 3 top goals that you are able to make into smaller steps, ones you can track and are relatively easy to complete.
For little ones- pick one goal together, a goal you know they are capable of achieving and you can track (ex. amount of books read).
4-For teens-make a 6 or 12 month plan to accomplish each goal. List smaller steps to accomplishing your goal for each month. See blank goal sheet below.
For little ones : make a weekly or monthly goal chart with stickers or other accomplishment tokens.
5-Post the goals with any sticker/reward charts where you can see them.
6-Review steps and goals regularly.
The Naturally Savvy website has more detailed information on goal setting:
http://naturallysavvy.com/restore/goal-setting-vs-resolution-setting
Goals from teens and younger children in my community:
Maya, age 9 “Learn to play volleyball”
Mac, age 7 “Play more”
Janaya, age 15 “Exceed previous year’s goal of more than 100 books being read”
Girl, age 18 “Receive a full financial scholarship to a college where I will be happy”
Ellie, age 15 “Practice driving twice a week”
Kennedy, age 12: “Don’t procrastinate”
Smart Goals are S (specific), M (measurable), A (actionable) R (realistic) and T (timely). Goals that are SMART are easier to accomplish and alleviate confusion on what exactly your are trying to achieve. Use the sheet below to organize your thoughts.
From classroom freebies.com:
Sample Basic Goal Setting sheet:
Good luck setting and accomplishing your goals in 2018. Have fun with goal setting and accomplishing those goals together.