Goal Setting

Which is the best way to achieve a large goal, such as becoming wealthy?

• Think about it every day.

• Break it down into smaller goals.

• Wait until you're ready to commit to it full-time.

• Join with other people who have the same goals.

Ramon dreams about becoming a vet. Which of the following would be the best way to make his goal actionable?

• watching a movie about a dog that gets lost

• signing up for an animal biology class

• reading stories about animals

• playing with his puppy

"I want to be really successful." This is an example of a goal that is:

• specific and actionable.

• specific, but not actionable.

• actionable, but not specific.

• neither specific nor actionable.

Answer explanation

To set a specific goal you must answer the following 5 "W" questions:

WHAT: What do you want to achieve?

WHAT: What steps will you have to take to achieve it?

WHAT: What obstacles might you face?

WHY: Why do you want to achieve it?

WHO: Who if anyone will you have to ask for help achieving it?

WHEN: By when do you want to achieve it?

Why are deadlines helpful when you make your plan?

• Deadlines help you slow down.

• Deadlines help you think of goals to achieve.

• Deadlines help you stick to your plan.

• Deadlines help you dream big.

What is the main purpose of the SMART approach to goal-setting?

• to help you think through the many goals you might have

• to help you set a plan for accomplishing your goals

• to make sure your goals are what you truly hope to accomplish

• to identify places you can get help to accomplish your goals

Painting your room is an example of a ________.

• short-term goal

• moderate-term goal

• long-term goal

• pipe dream

What does the "T" stand for in the SMART acronym for goal setting?

• timely

• tasteful

• temporary

• trustworthy

Grades on a report card or the amount of money in a savings account are both strategies that fall under which element of SMART goal setting?

• specific

• measurable

• actionable

• realistic

The 5 Ws are most helpful in making a goal-setting plan more ________.

• specific

• measurable

• actionable

• realistic

A moderate-term goal is one that you hope to accomplish in what time period?

• two to three months

• six to twelve months

• one to five years

• ten to twenty years

Answer explanation

A short-term goal is one that you want to accomplish soon—from one hour to one year from now.

A moderate-term goal is one you plan to achieve in one to five years.

A long-term goal is one that you don’t envision meeting for a long time, like five to 10 years (or even longer).