Develop Measurable Goals and Timelines
What one or two goals can your CDAT help you accomplish? Are these appropriate for the team you desire to put together? You can share these briefly in your invitation and then in more depth as you start.
We suggest using a simple template to help you achieve focus and clarity, such as the one below.
Target Completion Date
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Goal
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Why is this goal important?
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Milestone:
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Milestone:
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Milestone:
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Milestone:
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A goal is different from a task, a milestone, a calling, or a life mission. It is more than a wish because it has specific details as to what, where, when, how, why, and who. You create a plan to achieve a goal. You create a strategy to achieve your goal by deciding what resources you will use, how you will use them, and when you will use them.
Remember the acronym SMART:
1. Specific. Be clear, concrete. I will earn my degree (rather than I will take some classes). I will drop 10 pounds (rather than I will lose weight).
2. Measurable. Define specific milestones or measures that help you see how you are progressing. If the goal is to earn a degree, a measure is to complete 6 units each semester. If the goal is to drop 10 pounds, a measure is to meet a daily calorie count.
3. Achievable/Attainable. Ask yourself if your goal is actually achievable in a reasonable timeframe. Is it realistic to earn a degree in a few months or drop 10 pounds in a week?
4. Realistic/Relevant. Create a goal that is worth the investment of time and effort and relevant to your personal or professional development. Why are you willing and able to work for it?
5. Timely. Define a schedule or timeline that will guide you and those helping you from one milestone to the next. Stating a general timeframe (this year) is not as clear as specifying a specific date that you can mark on the calendar and share with others.
Here are two templates for clear goal statements:
"I will achieve __ ( item or result) __ as of ___ (date) __ by completing the following ___ (steps/actions) __ because __ (reason why it is important) __."
“I commit to __ (action) __ on __ (date) __ by taking these actions __ (specific details) __ in order to achieve __ (item or end result) __."
You may want to conduct your own search for information on the theory of goal setting and how to establish and track specific goals. There are many ideas, tools, and coaches available.
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