Setting-Goals

 

 

Do you have an idea for a business you want to start? Are you planning to return to college to finish up?  Both of these questions involve some sort of “goal” you want to accomplish, right?  Okay…now that we’ve established that, let’s figure out how to go about achieving those goals.

 

Before you get started on your Plan of Action, take time out to assess the setbacks in your life. Think about what has prevented you from completing goals in the past. Was it because of family issues?  Where you physically unhealthy and unable to put in the work hours? Ask yourself questions such as these in order to evaluate the reasons why you don’t see plans through.

 

Once an self-evaluation is completed, start asking yourself more progressive-type questions. What kind of work am I good at? Do I need a degree or a certification? Am I capable of funding my company’s start-up costs?  Write all of these questions/answers out on a sheet of paper. Review them thoroughly, go over them with a close friend and ask for feedback, and then move on to drafting your actual Goal Outline.

 

The Goal Outline is a format in which a person can set goals, define timelines, set milestones, and track the progress.  You can outline long-term goals or short-term goals. It doesn’t matter. This is your Goal Outline. Think of it as a format that’s organized in a way that can easily assist you in outlining things you want to achieve.

 

GOAL OUTLINE (sample)

1. Long-term Goal: Find a new career

a. Short-term Goal: Find a job while applying for retraining

b. Research retraining opportunities

     i. Action: Update my resume

        1. Resources: Samples from career center, library, DOL website

        2. Deadline: March 15

    ii. Action: Rewrite resume and cover letter based on research

         1. Resources: 5-7 people to proofread my resume

         2. Deadline: March 30

    iii. Action: Find 50 businesses that may have jobs that match my skills

          1. Resources: Internet search, networking, newspapers, phone books

          2. Deadline: April 13

     iv.Action: Submit customized resume’s and cover letters

          1. Deadline: April 20

 

 

After you’ve created your outline, review it to make sure it’s inline with your thoughts. You may have to revise it more than one time. That’s okay.  As days past by, your deadlines may change. You may take on other family related responsibilities which may change your whole focus. Don’t be upset with yourself for not sticking with the original plan. Instead, re-evaluate your Goal Outline and see what items are still achievable. Add more goals if need be.

 

Whatever you decide, make sure you at least accomplish one or two of them.

 

 

Outline Source: GA Dept of Labor