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Goal setting may seem simple, but the trick is in setting goals that are realistic, reasonable, and worth working toward! Your employment counsellor can be a great help in this.

GOAL SETTING FOR SUCCESS

Whether you are looking for a job or currently employed, learning successful goal planning skills is essential if you are to achieve positive results in any aspect of your life.  When goals are realized, our self-esteem is enhanced and we feel motivated to plan and attain further goals. The SMARTS approach to successful goal setting will ensure your success. [Discovering Life Skills - Vol. VII]

Specific: Goals need to be clearly understood. A vague goal is unlikely to be accomplished. A complex goal needs to be broken down into smaller goals to ensure success.

Measurable: The only way to know whether you have accomplished your goal is if you have some way to measure it.

Attainable: An impossible goal guarantees failure. To ensure success, make your goals realistic.

Results: State your goals in terms of expected outcome. This helps prevent your defining tasks or steps without clearly identifying what you intend to achieve.

Time Limit: Without a realistic deadline it is too easy to procrastinate. A time limit helps you stay focused on your goal. A long term goal may be broken down into several shorter term goals.

Shared: Few of our achievements are solo performances. You increase your chance of success when you share your goals with other who will support your efforts. Another reason for telling others what you intend to accomplish is that you increase your level of commitment when you make your goals know to others.

Sample Goal Action Plan

Written by:     Sue Watts, Employment Counsellor, Employment & Education Centre, Brockville, Ontario

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