Steps or Aspects to Goal Setting
This includes the following “steps” or aspects to goal setting:
1. Specific. First, the goals need to be specific. Rather than saying, “I want to be a better person,” try a
goal such as “volunteer two hours per week.” The more specific the goal, the more we are able to
determine if we were successful in that goal. In other words, being specific allows us to be very clear
about what we want to achieve. This clarity helps us understand specifically what we need to do in
order to achieve the goal.
2. Measurable. The goal must be measured. At the end of the time period, you should be able to say,
“Yes, I met that goal.” For example, “increase my sales” isn’t measureable. Saying something such as,
“I will increase my sales by 10 percent over the next two years,” is very specific and measureable. At
the end of two years, you can look at how well you have performed and compare your goal with the
result.
3. Attainable. The goals should be something we can achieve. We must either already have or be able
to develop the attitudes, skills, and abilities in order to achieve the goal. This doesn’t mean you need
these skills right now, but it does mean over time you should be able to develop them. For example, if
my goal is to become a light aircraft pilot, but I am afraid of flying, it may mean I am not willing (or
able) to develop the skills and abilities in order to achieve this goal. So this goal would not be
attainable and I should choose another one.
4. Realistic. The goal that is set must be something you are willing and able to work toward. The goal
cannot be someone else’s goal. For example, earning a business degree because your parents want you
to may not be compelling enough to follow through with that goal. The goal should be realistic in
terms of your abilities and willingness to work toward the goal. If I decided I wanted to be a WNBA
player, this is probably not a realistic goal for me. I am too old; I am five feet two inches and not really
willing to put in the time to get better at basketball. So as a result, I would likely not achieve this goal.
5. Time-oriented. There should always be a timeframe attached to a specific goal. Most individuals
will have longer-term and shorter-term goals. For example, a long-term goal might be to manage a
medical lab. In order to meet this longer-term goal, shorter-term goals might include the following:
o Earn a medical lab technology degree
o Obtain employment as a medical lab tech
o Develop skills by attending two conferences per year
o Develop positive relationship with coworkers and supervisor by using emotional
intelligence skills