Administrative Sparkle

Goals are important. We all may believe we have goals or is it just wishful thinking? Goals are the ultimate destination, objectives are the actions we take to get there. Are you taking the necessary steps to get where you want or are you just managing what’s coming at you? Are you determining your destination or are you letting life and circumstances control you?

Goals have a roadmap. Here is your reminder of the steps that truly constitute a goal. Are you ready? Here we go.

1. A goal must be demanding. Give yourself motivation to stretch yourself, to reach out of your comfort zone.
2. A goal must be achievable. This is the other end of the spectrum. Be realistic in your quest. There is nothing more frustrating than a goal that causes you frustration and crushes your confidence. Each goal achieved can set you up for that unattainable goal or “pie in the sky.” I’m a personal believer in “reach for the stars, shoot for the moon.”
3. A goal should be specific and measurable. This is where you don’t speak in vague generalizations. Elaborate with specifics that include the action it would take to achieve that goal. For example, “I will get at least a 3.8 GPA at the end of this semester” is general. Stating, “Spend at least one hour a night studying, join and participate in a study group, sit at the front of the class, and take notes in class” gives specific details and gives you guidance to your success.
4. A goal must have a deadline. Establishing a deadline creates the sense of urgency and a method of tracking your progress.
5. A goal should be agreed to by those who must achieve it. You want everyone “on board.” Everyone should feel a sense of ownership in the progress and ultimate success of the goal. Reaching for a goal can be frustrating when dealing with a “weak link.”
6. A goal should be written down. Writing it down makes it real and permanent. If it is not written down, the statement and intention of the goal may morph. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who participated in the same event as you, but remembers it differently? Sometimes our mind has a way of remembering something a little altered over time. Write it down.
7. A goal should be flexible. There are some things that are completely out of our control. Be flexible and don’t be so crazy hard on yourself. Some adjustments may be required along the way. On the one hand, to hold onto something that is no longer possible or may no longer apply to the overall scheme of what you are trying to achieve. On the other hand, don’t necessarily be too quick to lower your goal when negative circumstances seem to arise. You may need to make some adjustments, but there is always another way to get to the other side of a wall – not just through it. You may need to go at it from a different angle. When you are faced with a challenge, evaluate or re-evaluate to determine your next course of action, whether to continue to pursue, go at it differently, or it no longer applies.

As much as I love the “dreamer,” I have great respect for the dreamer who does things that move him in the direction of his dream. I may think “a little crazy,” but definitely worthy of respect.

I hope this inspires you to make a special goal today and wish you great success.

Also, please leave your comments if you find this helpful or would like to share that helps others who stumble upon this posting, and thank you so much for stopping by.

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