Goal Setting - Part 2
Friday, June 29, 2012Today on Let’s Get Working I would like to continue talking about Goal Setting for getting a job.
Step 3: Formulate a plan for goal achievement
To set new goals:
1. Goal history - look at your past goal achievements and non-achievements. Write down what your achievements and your non-achievements.
2. List possible goals
| Goal | Number |
| Be financially independent | 2 |
| Find a job | 1 |
| Get my own place | 4 |
| Eat healthy | 3 |
3. Formulate your goal - Finally, formulate a goal that is achievable. Your goal should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time framed)
Goal example: To find and keep a satisfying job, as a retail assistant by December 2012.
Specific The goal is specific. I will be employed as a retail assistant by December 2012Measurable The goal is measurable. I will have a paid position in the job of my choice.Achievable The goal is achievable in relation to timeframe and in line with your skills and experience.Realistic It is relevant to my life because a job is something I value and want.Time framed The time frame is 6 months.Break down this goal into short-term progress milestones.
| Time frame | Milestone/short-term progress |
Month 1 | Create a Resume/Write a Cover Letter | Month 2 | Research places I’d like to work – write lists | Month 3 | Cold calling & networking | Month 4 | Submit resumes & cover letters, applications | Month 5 | Go to several interviews | Month 6 | Get a job |
Step 4: Implement a plan for goal achievement
In this step you need to break down each milestone and seeing what the necessary actions and tasks are to achieve your milestone.
Task list to create a Resume/write a Cover Letter:
| Time to complete | Completed by (date) | Actions |
| 5 days | 5th June | Research how to create a resume |
| 7 days | 12th June | Create your resume |
| 2 days | 14th June | Ask family/friends to proof read it, make minor changes |
| 5 days | 19th June | Research how to write a Cover Letter |
| 7 days | 26th June | Write your Cover Letter |
| 2 days | 28th June | Ask family/friends to proof read it, make minor changes |
Formulate and Document an Action Plan
Action Plan
Contract for Change
For [your name]
Dated: 1st June 2012
End date: 31st December 2012 |
Values EmploymentSelf-conceptHealth conditionFinances Personal Vision Statement I am physically fit, financially independent, living on my own and working in a job I love.SMART goal To find and keep a satisfying job, as a retail assistant by December 2012.Possible obstacles & how to deal with them Not wanting to keep to my plan because of all the ‘no’s I’m getting – I will tell myself that every ‘no’ is 1 step closer to a ‘yes’!I procrastinate – I will set small rewards for each milestone I achieve.How will success be monitored Success will be monitored by checking all that I have accomplished at the short-term progression milestone of 1 monthBenefits from action plan I will feel better about myself – in control of my lifeI will be working towards my overall goal of getting a job.I will feel a sense of achievement.Milestone 1: Create a Resume/write a Cover Letter | Time to complete | Completed by (date) | Actions | | 5 days | 5th June | Research how to create a resume | | 7 days | 12th June | Create your resume | | 2 days | 14th June | Ask family/friends to proof read it, make minor changes | | 5 days | 19th June | Research how to write a Cover Letter | | 7 days | 26th June | Write your Cover Letter | | 2 days | 28th June | Ask family/friends to proof read it, make minor changes |
I, _[your name]_ take personal responsibility for creating change in my life. I will begin the action plan and see it through til the end. Signed: _________________________________Date: ____________________________________ |
Step 5: Assess the effectiveness of the action plan
Find a family member or a friend who can be your coach and hold you accountable to sticking to your plan. Someone who you can chat with, problem solve issues, encourage and confront you, also to help you with process checks.
Step 6: Maintain goal achievement
Change is difficult and it can also be scary. You will come up against barriers that you need to push through – like ‘fear’. Acknowledge achievements, record your progress and build on youir goals.
Share your experiences with us.
Until next time,
Enjoy the journey!
Martha!
