Setting and Achieving Goals PDF

11-Sep-24 Setting and Achieving Goals Medical Education Department CMHS-AGU 2024-2025 1 Lesson’s Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: – Define goals and goal setting. – Recognize the importance of sett...

11-Sep-24 Setting and Achieving Goals Medical Education Department CMHS-AGU 2024-2025 1 Lesson’s Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: – Define goals and goal setting. – Recognize the importance of setting goals. – Identify the types and levels of goals. – Define SMART goals. – Discuss goal setting strategies. – Discuss the four-step approach for achieving goals. – Discuss some tips for overcoming roadblocks. – Discuss motivation in relation to setting and achieving goals. 2  11-Sep-24 Introduction and Definitions “THE VICTORY OF SUCCESS IS HALF WON WHEN ONE GAINS THE HABIT OF SETTING AND ACHIEVING GOALS.” — Og Mandino 3 Introduction and Definitions Goals are well-defined plans aimed at achieving a specific result. – They are roadmaps for achieving what you want in life. – They represent a course of action you intend to pursue. – They reflect your values and your priorities. 4  11-Sep-24 Introduction and Definitions Goals setting is the process of identifying goals that an individual or organization aims to achieve. – It involves developing an action plan designed to motivate and guide a person or group toward these goals. 5 Why Setting Goals? Direction and Focus: Goals provide a clear direction and help you focus your efforts on what’s important. Motivation: Having specific goals can boost your motivation. Accountability: When you set a goal, you’re more likely to take responsibility for your actions and stay committed to achieving it. Personal and Professional Growth: Setting and achieving goals helps you grow. Decision Making: When faced with choices, you can evaluate which options align best with your goals. 6  11-Sep-24 Types of Goals Four types of goals: An immediate goal is achievable within the range of a few hours to a few days. A short-term goal is achievable within the range of a week to the length of an academic term. An intermediary goal is achievable over a time period of a year or more. A long-term goal is achievable after a longer period of time, usually measured in years. 7 Longer Term Long-term Goal e.g., earn the MD degree with an Levels of Goals excellent with first honor grade. Intermediary Goal e.g., pass year 1 with a GPA of at least 3.7/4. Short-term Goal e.g., pass each course this term with at least an A. Immediate Goal e.g., complete essay assignment by 2 PM tomorrow. Shorter Term 8  11-Sep-24 SMART Goals 9 SMART Goals Goals should be: Specific: – Goals should be clear and specific, leaving no room for ambiguity. – When setting a specific goal, you know exactly what is that goal about and what is needed to accomplish it. Measurable: – Goals should be measurable to track progress and know when the goal has been partially or totally achieved. 10  11-Sep-24 SMART Goals Goals should be: Achievable: – Goals should be realistic and attainable, considering available resources and constraints. Relevant: – Goals should matter to you and align with other relevant objectives – They should be pertinent to your broader aims and ambitions. Time-bound: – Goals should have a clear timeline, including a start and finish date. This creates a sense of urgency and prompts timely action. 11 Two Goal Setting Strategies Using a Goal Organizer: A chart that consists of six questions to help you plan a course of action to set and achieve a specific goal: 1. What is your goal? 2. What benefits will you gain by achieving this goal? 3. What consequences will you experience by not achieving this goal? 4. What obstacles might you encounter while working on this goal? 5. How can you deal with the obstacles effectively if they occur? 6. What people or resources could help you achieve this goal? 12  11-Sep-24 Two Goal Setting Strategies Using the ABC Method: A goal-setting strategy to prioritize your goals according to rank of importance. Steps: 1. List all the goals you want to achieve. 2. Assign a priority letter A, B, or C to the goals on your list: “A” Goals: the most important to you or the ones you want or need to achieve first. “B” Goals: not as high a priority as the “A” goals. “C” Goals: not of such immediate importance. 3. Begin working on the “A” goals. Follow by “B” goals, then “C” ones. 13 Four-Step Approach for Achieving Goals Step 1: Set SMART Goals Goals should be well-defined and detailed. A specific goal answers questions like what, why, how, and when. Goal should have a clear direction and outcome. Avoid vague terms and focus on precise outcomes that can be measured or observed. While ambition is important, goals should be achievable within your current abilities and resources. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and demotivation. 14  11-Sep-24 Four-Step Approach for Achieving Goals Step 2: Set a Specific Target Date and Time Without a deadline, goals can become procrastination traps. Set a specific date and time for when you expect to complete each goal. For long-term goals, break them into smaller, manageable milestones with their own deadlines. Having a deadline makes you accountable to yourself. You’re more likely to prioritize tasks and stay disciplined when you know you have a timeframe to meet. 15 Four-Step Approach for Achieving Goals Step 3: Identify Steps Involved in Reaching the Goal Achieving a goal can feel overwhelming if it seems too big or complex. Breaking it down into smaller steps makes the process more manageable. Identify which steps need to be done first and which ones follow. Track your progress by focusing on one step at a time. Completing smaller tasks keeps you motivated as you move closer to your ultimate goal. 16  11-Sep-24 Four-Step Approach for Achieving Goals Step 4: Plan a Reward for Yourself When Reach Goal Rewards help reinforce positive behavior and keep you motivated. Choose rewards that are meaningful to you. Be mindful of not over-rewarding. You want the reward to match the effort. Use both extrinsic (material things or activities) as well as intrinsic (emotions or feelings) rewards. 17 Four-Step Approach for Achieving Goals 18  11-Sep-24 Roadblocks Roadblocks to achieving goals are obstacles or challenges that hinder progress and make it difficult to stay on track. Two types of roadblocks: A. Internal: – Obstacles that arise from within yourself, often related to mindset, habits, or emotional responses. B. External: – Obstacles that come from outside factors, which are often beyond your direct control. 19 Roadblocks Internal Roadblocks: – Vague or undefined goals. – Procrastination. – Fear of failure or success. – Lack of motivation. – Negative mindset: – Self-criticism, perfectionism, or pessimism that discourages progress. – Poor time management. 20  11-Sep-24 Roadblocks External Roadblocks: – Limited or insufficient resources. – External circumstances: – Unpredictable life events like illness, family responsibilities, or environmental changes. – Distractions and competing priorities. – Lack of support (from mentors, colleagues, family …). 21 Tips for Overcoming Roadblocks For Internal Roadblocks: – Reconnect with your "why“. – Break your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. – Don’t be afraid of failure; but reframe it as a learning opportunity. – Avoid harsh self-criticism when things don’t go as planned. – Set specific deadlines for smaller tasks and stick to them. – Focus on progress, not perfection (avoid perfectionism). – Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. 22  11-Sep-24 Tips for Overcoming Roadblocks For External Roadblocks: – Use the available resources creatively and identify alternative resources. – Be sure that the available resources are suitable for the goals. – Identify time-wasting activities that can be reduced or eliminated. – Communicate your goals to friends, family, or colleagues. – Create a dedicated space for work that minimizes distractions. 23 Motivation in Setting & Achieving Goals Motivation is a crucial driving force in setting and achieving goals. It has two types: Internal motivation: – Comes from within and is driven by personal satisfaction or passion for a task. External motivation: – Influenced by external rewards or pressures, such as working towards a promotion, financial incentives, or praise from others. 24  11-Sep-24 Motivation in Setting & Achieving Goals In relation to setting and achieving goals, motivation helps: Initiate action: It pushes you to start working toward your goals. Sustain effort: During setbacks or roadblocks, motivation keeps you committed. Provide direction: It helps clarify the importance of your goal, reinforcing why you are working towards it. 25 26  11-Sep-24 27