FL-Webinar-Kids-Goal-Setting-SMART-Worksheet
Before we start, let’s perhaps define our goals. And I guess to me a goal is something you set that determines what you want. And you work hard to achieve it. Setting goals can help you accomplish big or small tasks in your life.
In my life today more than ever, we rely on habits to keep us and our loved ones safe. Also, we are given more autonomy over where we work, how we study, and how our time is managed. And because of that I think it’s much more important to learn time management and healthy habits that can help us with that. Successful goals can turn into lifelong healthy habits. And that’s a powerful thing.
For me to be able to set goals and achieve them is very powerful. I think that’s one of the most powerful things we can do. And it requires a lot of discipline. So it’s never easy.
To many people, discipline may not be the most exciting thing. But for me, it’s a very powerful practice. It’s something that I can keep getting better and better at. And it helps me achieve.
When you’re much younger, for example, riding a bicycle becomes such an achievement. You get older, and then it’s driving a car. And they require the same level of diligence and consistency.
One thing that helped in achieving my goals, whatever they may be, is to diligently track my time. So every day I track what I do from the time I wake up to my exercise routine, how much time I spend with friends, texting on calls.
And at the end of the day I look back at that time log to assess if the way I have spent my time was my priorities in life. So for example, if I want to be physically stronger, I have to make sure I exercise regularly. And if I’m pursuing higher education or additional degrees and designation, then I have to make sure I study for several hours every day, otherwise I will not be able to achieve my goals. But for me, I always break down my big goals into smaller steps. And then I scheduled those steps into my every day.
What has been the best way to set goals?
I guess when I set goals, whether it be, let’s say, playing video games or doing homework or at my job, I always want to make sure that my goals are smart. And when I say smart, what I mean is that they’re Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely, a.k.a., SMART.
Let’s look at Farheen’s goal. Basically, I think she’s saying she wants to do better in history class. And I find these types of goals that involve, I will do better, I will do less, they’re really popular.
So Farheen has obviously great intentions on wanting to do better in history class. But I’m not sure if I consider it a SMART goal. And there’s maybe a few reasons why.
Firstly, wanting to do better to me, it isn’t really specific enough. What does Farheen mean by better? If Farheen had said she wants to get an A in history, to me this is more specific and measurable.
Also, I’m not sure if the goal has a deadline. Does Farheen want to do better in grade 9 history class, grade 10? Maybe she wants to do better by the time she graduates high school?
So maybe to turn this into a SMART goal, what I would say or do is maybe rephrase this and say, I want to get an A in my grade 9 history class this semester. And that’s how I would maybe convert this into a SMART goal.
Marika wants to contribute $300 for babysitting money to my friend’s mom’s charity by December 2021.
I think it’s wonderful that Marika has set a goal in wanting to contribute to her friends’ mom’s charity. And given that Marika has a specific goal of contributing $300 by a set deadline, I do actually think her goal is SMART and quite admirable.
And Ashton wants to do 25 push-ups in a row. Do you all think that Ashton’s goal is SMART?
Let’s look and see first if his goal is specific and measurable. I think it is because he clearly said he wants to do 25 push-ups in a row.
Next, his goal is attainable and realistic. Again, I guess for some people, they are quite strong. And it is realistic and attainable for some. Other ones, such as myself, I would have to practice and maybe break down into smaller goals. But I do think Ashton has been pretty specific.
The one thing I do want to stress is that, again, everyone is different. Some goals are realistic for some, while some are quite unrealistic for others.
Now, I guess is his goal’s timing. I’m not sure since Ashton didn’t exactly mention when he likes to complete it by. But in my experience, it’s always important to attach a timeline to every single goal.
Now, to turn this goal into a SMART goal, I could definitely add a deadline. What I would say, I would want to do 25 push-ups by this particular date. And it could be the end of the month or whenever you want to choose. But I think adding that timeline, Mike, would be quite helpful.
