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Goal Setting Instruction Booklet
The Long and Short of It
Created By: Sybil R Smith
Have you ever made unrealistic goals?
Do you neglect to make any goals for fear of failing?
I sure have.
When thinking about the future, I am often discouraged because there is so much to do that I do not know where to start. Or, maybe you are on the other end of the spectrum like my friend Mary. She does not make any goals or plan for the future because she does not know what she wants.
Your life is what you make it. So, why not plan a little bit of it out to ensure your success?
There are five steps to take while setting your goals.
Just setting goals as they come up is where most people get in trouble. They shoot too high, too soon, or too low. They quickly end up frustrated. There is a little preparation that needs to happen in order to set yourself up for success.
1. What does your BIG picture look like?
Think about what you want your life, career, or relationship to be in 10 years or more.
How do you want to feel when you are 80?
What do you want to do when you retire?
What kind of family would be ideal in your older years?
Knowing these future details will help you figure out what to do today. Until you know this, what I call the “BIG picture,” you will just be wandering around life, taking whatever happens to land in your lap. The BIG picture is malleable; I've changed mine a few times just this year. As it changes, the smaller goals change too. Knowing the BIG picture helps focus your attention toward what is most important.
How do you do this?
Use your imagination.
Sit and ponder.
Let your mind wander and dream big.
Draw or paint a picture.
Write a song.
Listen to music that represents how you want to feel.
Write it out in your journal.
Talk about it to a friend.
Don't be afraid to aim high!
Whatever way you choose to find your big picture, make sure it gets out of your head, and into your life experience – through some sort of expressive action. This sets the goal in motion.
2. WHY do you want the BIG picture?
The next step is knowing WHY you want the big picture.
Knowing WHY you want the big picture will bring clarity to the goals that will form later.
Why do you want that fancy car? Why do you want a huge house?
Is it because you want