In case you missed it, I believe in goal setting. Setting goals helps us define what we want, how we want it, and when we want it by. If you’re going to achieve great things, then goals are a must.
While the what of goal setting is important, the how is arguably even more important. It’s great knowing what you want to do, but if you don’t know how you will do it, is it still beneficial? This is the part where many of us tune out and are no longer interested in the goal setting process. And this is where many of us begin to fail. Avoid failure. Learn how to set your goals in a way that makes them achievable.
Are you still with me? I hope so. Let’s explore how to set goals so that you can truly achieve your goals.
Perhaps you’ve heard the acronym SMART Goals. This is a commonly used method that helps to narrow and define exactly what you want to achieve. It’s great to have a goal of “being healthy,” but if I am not more specific about that goal, I’m likely not going to achieve it. I need a SMART goal!
S-Specific: The first step to creating an achievable goal is to be specific about what you want to achieve. While being healthy is a great goal, it’s unlikely to be achieved because it is so broad. Instead, I may say I want to achieve a healthy weight. Now I have a more focused goal.
M-Measurable: After determining what exactly you want to achieve, you have to have a way to measure that achievement. How will you know you’ve done what you set out to do? I can measure weight loss, and to achieve a healthy weight, I need to lose 20 pounds.
A-Achievable: Now it’s time to evaluate how realistic this goal is. Is it possible, or have I possibly signed myself up for more than I can handle? How will I accomplish this goal? What is my plan? Using my weight loss example, it is possible with a plan and dedication to lose 20 pounds and meet my goal of a healthier version of me. I now need to formulate a specific plan to achieve this: make a menu, find an exercise program, and start implementing these changes into my daily routine.
R-Relevant: Why did I set this goal? Does it align with my vision and mission? Does it matter to me? Is this goal worth the time and effort it will take to achieve it? Does it benefit me and those around me? Is now the right time to pursue this goal? A relevant goal will answer yes to these questions and ones like it. This step helps to manage priorities and keep your goals in line with your big picture and family values.
T-Time: The final step to creating a SMART goal is time. How long will it take to achieve your goal? Not only does setting a time-limit to your goal help create urgency and motivate you, it helps to know what you need to do when. For example, I may say that I want to lose 20 pounds in 5 months. This helps me to create micro goals to evaluate my progress along the way. The time factor and target date of the goal helps you to stay focused on the overall goal, rather than becoming weighed down by the day to day activities that can easily crowd out the larger goal.
Have you used the SMART method of goal setting? I’d love to hear your response. What do you think about it? I often used this method with my middle school students to improve their reading and writing. Most found it helpful. Some were confused or frustrated, as can happen when learning any new process. I think by the end of the school year most kids at least appreciated it.
What does this look like for academics, more specifically, homeschooling? Good question.
Overall goal- I want my children to have a literature rich education.
Specific- I want my children to read classic literature, and nonfiction.
Measurable- Let’s focus on one school year at a time here. For early elementary, I want my children to read 25 new stories and 15 nonfiction books, for a total of 40 books during the school year.
Achievable- This is harder to measure, as books can vary in length. If my children choose picture books, this goal is too easy. If they choose all chapter books, this becomes more challenging, but achievable. I may have to adjust the goal depending on what they choose, but I think this is a good place to start.
Relevant- This goal is quite relevant to our education goals. Reading is a family value and key to our chosen education philosophy.
Time- I’m setting this goal for the school year. I will reevaluate at key points in the school year, (December, March) and determine if the goal needs to be adjusted.
I hope these examples inspire you as you dream, think, and plan for your homeschooling goals. I’d love to hear about your goals.