Goal-Setting & Decision-Making

http://youtu.be/uoXuapqVDyo

Purposes of Goal-Setting

• Increases the desire to achieve

• Increases efficiency and effectiveness by specifying desired outcomes

• Guide and direct behaviors

• Provide clarity

• Provide challenges and standards

• Reflect on what’s important to you (the goal-setter)

Purposes of Goal-Setting Cont’

• Increase motivation and desire to achieve

• Increases/improves pride and self-confidence

• Decreases negative attitude/behaviors

• Helps improve performance

http://youtu.be/GrPpB_ZXf3Y

9 Life Aspects of Goals (what to consider)

• Artistic

• Attitude

• Education

• Pleasure

• Social

• Physical

• Career

• Family

• Financial

Prioritize Your Goals

• Once you have decided on goals using the 9 Aspects of Life, you need to decide which goals are most important and prioritize them accordingly

• Make sure when you are developing goals and/or prioritizing them, you focus on what is best for you – your goals and priorities have to be about you and for you, not someone else

Types of Goals

• Short-Term Goals = achievable in the near future (hour, day, days, week, month)

• Long-Term Goals = achievable in a longer period of time (months, 1 semester, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, lifetime)

Goals vs. Objectives

Goals• Broad

• General Intentions

• Intangible

• Abstract

• Difficult to Measure

Objectives• Narrow

• Precise

• Tangible

• Concrete

• Measureable

The “SMART” Goal-Setting Model

S – Specific: Explain specific objectives for your goal

M – Measureable: Establish guidelines for how the goal is going to be achieved

A – Attainable: Make sure goals are attainable – consider resources/constraints

R – Relevant: Ensure that your goals meet your needs and desires

T – Timely: Allow a reasonable amount of time to complete your goal

http://youtu.be/5eI5JvTGzAI http://youtu.be/d6o5PyJM3bY

Putting Goals In Action…

Action Plan = a multi-step strategy to identify and achieve goals

1. Set a specific, realistic goal, and write it down (state as positive)

2. List the steps you will take to reach your goal

3. Identify sources of help and support (friends, teachers, family, mentors, etc.)

4. Set a reasonable time frame for reaching your goal

5. Evaluate your progress by establishing checkpoints – revisions may be necessary

6. Reward yourself for achieving your goal – enjoy the personal satisfaction

7. Consider the obstacles that may affect you (gender, family, race, culture, etc.)

http://youtu.be/Rb1uzHNcYcA

Thoughts and more….

• http://youtu.be/VA8D1cGW5Qk 3 Steps

• http://youtu.be/Qvcx7Y4caQE Procrastination

Decision-Making: Eight Steps in Making a Decision

1. State the problem objectively (Define what is happening)

2. Gather information about the problem (Do not try to solve the problem)

3. List pros and cons of the problem (Why is there a decision to be made)

4. Develop alternatives (Don’t force yourself into only one choice/solution)

5. Analyze alternatives (Look at pros and cons)

6. Select an alternative (Make a decision based on what is best for you)

7. Implement the alternative (Test your decision)

8. Evaluate end results of the decision made (Makes changes if/as necessary)

Three Types of Decision-Making Styles

1.Inactive Decision-Maker

2.Reactive Decision-Maker

3.Proactive Decision-Maker

Inactive Decision-Maker

• Someone who fails to make decisions

• Indecisive – difficulty making choices and sticking with them

• Procrastinates (even on simple tasks)

• Persons with this style usually have difficulty developing self-confidence, and feel that they have no control of their “destiny”

Reactive Decision-Maker

• Someone who allows peers, siblings, parents, etc. to make the decision for them

• Persons with this styles of decision making are can be easily influenced by what others think, do, or suggest. They are easily persuaded by peer pressure, develop negative self-esteem, and have a need to be liked by others

Proactive Decision-Maker

• Someone who follows the eight steps of decision-making and assumes responsibility for the consequences

• Someone with this style of decision making takes on responsibility rather than being driven by circumstances and conditions or being influenced by others

• Persons also experience a feeling of empowerment or inspiration because they know that they are in control of their own destinies