What follows is a time-tested and simple but thorough 7-step template for setting and achieving goals. You do not have to complete each of these 7-steps, but the more steps you incorporate, the more likely you will achieve your goal.
- Goal Definition (What do I want to achieve?)
a. Why is this goal important to me?
b. Does my answer align with what I care most about in life?
2. Goal Demonstration (How would I know if I had achieved this goal?)
a. What specifically could I show someone to prove that this goal was completed?
b. Is my evidence of achieving this goal 1) specific, 2) measurable, 3) achievable, 4) relevant, 5) time-bound?
3. Goal Steps (What will I do in order to achieve this goal?)
a. What are the steps I can take early on to develop some small victories in reaching this goal? Write these down.
b. What are other steps that I may likely need to take once I start making progress? Write these down too.
4. Goal Timeline (Will I take steps to make this a priority in my life?)
a. Will I create a timeline that I (and others) can hold myself accountable to?
b. On what dates, days, times, etc. will I prioritize the Goal Steps (#3)?
c. Will I put reminders in my calendar so that I don’t forget what I intend to do?
5. Goal Support (Who or what would help me reach this goal?)
a. Who are people or roles of people I can reach out to in order to help me achieve this goal?
b. What are some things I may want to learn that will help me reach this goal?
c. Am I willing and able to let friends and/or family know about my Goal Steps (and Timeline) and ask them to help hold me accountable? (this may sound hard, but it is one of the most important steps)
6. Goal Challenges (What else could prevent me from achieving this goal?)
a. What are the most likely hurdles that I will face in reaching this goal?
b. How will I persevere when these other things interfere?
c. How will I motivate myself to maintain my focus on this goal when things get tough?
7. Goal Rewards (What will I do to celebrate achievement on this goal?)
a. What would I like to do to enjoy having reached this goal?
b. Are there small rewards I can give myself for staying on track through my Goal Timeline?
Important Reminders Throughout the Process
As you progress through these steps, you will be more successful if you speak the following truths to yourself on a regular basis.
a. I am a person of integrity and value who is capable of achieving what I say I will do
b. I know that everyone struggles to achieve goals, so when I do too, I will remember that is normal and I will not let it stop me
c. If I have to update the plan or I make a mistake, I will learn from it and keep moving forward
If you have any feedback on how this Achieving Goals Template can be improved, please feel free to contact Dr. Jeff Doyle at jeff.doyle.923@gmail.com
Deep Thoughts on Higher Ed and Life 