By Jackie Hott
Faculty member at American Public University
Doctor, lawyer, farmer, actress, athlete, business woman, mom, or teacher–which one did you want to be when you grew up? When we are young we think about the future, but you are never too old to have goals.
As I reflect on my life goals I realize many of them began when I was young. I had goals of going to college, becoming a teacher, getting married, and, one day, running a marathon. I remember sharing my aspirations with family, friends, and teachers. Lately as I reflect on my life I realize I have gotten out of the habit of goal setting. Why?
When we are young we fantasize about what is to come and the life we want to have as we get older. Once we have accomplished our childhood dreams, we get busy living them. We stop goal setting and begin to focus on the daily tasks rather than those that can support our future goals. In order to grow as an adult we must continue to have aspirations and dreams.
Identify Your Goal
I suggest you brainstorm the areas of your life that you feel either need some attention or connect to a passion you have that you would like to see grow. Choose a goal that is challenging yet attainable.
Achievement and goal setting go hand in hand. Cheung (2004) shares in her article that achievement connects to goal setting. When you give yourself a difficult goal to achieve you will work harder to achieve it. A goal that is challenging is more likely to be accomplished (Cheung, 2004; Yearta, Maitlis, &Briner, 1995).
Take the Steps to Achievement
Here are steps to help you meet your goal.
- Write your goal down. You can use a wipe board, the bathroom mirror, a journal, or electronic notes. Whichever modality you choose it should be something you look at often.
- Determine 2-4 tasks that you need to do in order to meet your goal. If running a 10k is your goal you may need to buy new shoes, develop a training program, and find a running partner.
- Determine the date you plan to meet your goal and mark it on the calendar and map out an action plan. Your time management plan should include time to work on your goal.
- Share your intentions with family and friends. This allows you to have a support system which will help you stay on track.
- Make the goal a priority, take action, and reward yourself when it has been accomplished.
Achievement happens when a goal is supported by action. A goal comes from the mind but must be supported by the heart (Yearta, Maitlis, &Briner, 1995). Where will your goals take you today?
[Related: Using your MBA to Prepare for the World of Work]
References
Cheung, E. (2004). Goal setting as motivational tool in student’s self-regulated learning. Educational Research Quarterly, 27(3), 3-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216183541?accountid=8289
Yearta, S. K., Maitlis, S., & Briner, R. B. (1995). An exploratory study of goal setting in theory and practice: A motivational technique that works?. Journal Of Occupational & Organizational Psychology, 68(3), 237-252.
About the Author: Jackie Nicholas Hott received her Bachelor’s degree in Education/Communication from Mary Baldwin College in 1989 and a Master’s degree in Education from Virginia Tech in 1993 focusing on College Student Personnel with a strong interest in Women’s Studies. Jackie is an instructor with American Public University. She teaches the Foundations of Learning course. Before coming to APU, she taught elementary school, was the director for a nonprofit, and worked at Shenandoah University in Student Affairs. Jackie’s goal is to continue to write and share her passion for learning while inspiring others to achieve for their goals.
Comments are closed.