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Learn About Goals

What is the difference between a goal and a dream? Some of the things we dream about are unrealistic. We set goals in order to achieve things that we really want.

Goals are things you want to achieve. A short-term goal is something you want to achieve soon. A long-term goal is something that you will achieve further in the future.

Why do we set goals?

Sometimes your final object or goal seems very large and hard to reach. By making a plan and breaking it down into small steps, you can see what progress you have made. You will increase your self-confidence and motivation as you accomplish one step after another.

  • Long-term goals give you a destination
  • Short-term goals are the stepping stones along the way to reaching your long-term goal.

"If you don't know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?"
-Basil S. Walsh

Some things to think about when setting goals:

  • What do you really want? Your goals should be things that are very important to you. They should not conflict with each other or with your values or interests. For example, if you don't like going to school and you don't like blood, don't set a goal to become a doctor.
  • Make sure your goals are positive statements. Think about what you want, not about what you want to get away from. For example, "I want to find a job with a 40-hour a week schedule" is a better goal than "I don't want to work part-time anymore."
  • Make sure your goals are detailed and written down. If they are too general or not visible, it's easy to forget or ignore your goals. Goals should also have deadlines or set timeframes to be completed.
  • Make sure your goals cover all of the important areas of your life. You don't have to have goals in all areas all of the time, but each area is important to having a balanced life.

    • Career
    • Education
    • Enjoyment
    • Family
    • Finances
    • Physical and Mental Health
    • Public Service
    • Spirituality

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