Seven Goal Setting Steps

Step #1: Consider all that you have accomplished since in 2008. Write down what has worked for you. What you wish to continue to achieve as a family and what goals you’d like to set for the next quarter.

Step #2: Write down 1-3 goals per domain in any of the domains that you value. Make your goals SMART - Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Consider goals for health, family time, behavior, school, friends, spirituality, sports, nutrition, hobbies, sports and personal time.

Step #3: Choose one goal at a time to work toward. Establish short-time frames to maximize success. If you are setting a health or exercise goal begin with small steps. As an example, “I will walk Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7am-7:30 for two weeks.”

Step #4: Keep track of your daily progress toward goals by writing in a journal, jotting a note on your calendar or keeping track online.

Step #5: Reward yourself for small successes. Take yourself out to a movie, have tea with a friend or set aside an hour on a Sunday to read a book as a reward for your progress.

Step #6: Revise your goal if it was not attainable.

Step #7: Choose a new domain or goal within the domain you are currently working on. By taking small steps, monitoring your progress and rewarding yourself, you will remain mindful of your goal and move in the direction of success!