Short Term Goals

Graduate Call Notes: 10-6-09
by Janeen Detrick

Start with the end in mind: First, have your long term goals written out, based on your Mission Statement.

Then, step back, and ask yourself; What is the first step I need to take to get there?
Brainstorm every short term idea that can move you in the direction of your long term goals.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

Write a list of every idea you can think of (there are no wrong answers when you’re doing this!) that might be small steps toward the long term goal.

Then, number them in order of what you believe, with your current level of knowledge, might be the first things you should do. Make sure you make these goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed! Every goal needs a date by which you decide to have it accomplished!

If you don’t know how to start whichever step you are on, then…..Google it! You’ll find amazing amounts of information on the internet about things you want to learn how to do. If that doesn’t work, ask someone who is already in that industry! You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn if you “pick someone’s brain”.

Remember that you may make some mistakes along the way: It’s okay! Allow yourself the right to be wrong sometimes! In psychology, it’s recognized that both the fear of failure and the fear of success have their root in THE FEAR OF CHANGE. Accept and embrace change! Recognize that CHANGE is the catalyst of EXPANSION! You are growing! Be proud of yourself for every baby step you take in the direction of your goals.

Homework:
1) Write out your “brainstorm list” of short term goals for every “category” of your life: Family goals, Goals with your spouse or partner, economic goals, material needs (installing a new patio door, for example), Leisure Activities, Activities to build friendships, Spiritual or Religious goals, Civic or volunteer goals, physical health goals.
2) Number them as best you can, with number one being the first step.
3) Give each goal a date by which you will accomplish it!

Be prepared to share with us in next week’s call, a few of the goals you’ve written!

Until next week!

Janeen