How To Set Goals And Obtain Them

How To Set Goals And Obtain Them

Don't plunge into goal-setting without discovering what you're getting into. Do your homework for the best chance at success. Go through this worksheet for each problem you want to overcome.

Choose problems to work on that will make a difference in the quality of your life.
Don't waste your time on things which don't matter.
Your choice of goals should be a matter of prayer.
Often we can only see the problem from our own point of view. To make sure you truly understand the problem from all angles, ask others what they think the problem is.
Now you know what the problem is. How would things be if they were the way you wanted them to be? Write these down. These become your primary goals.
How would you know things were the way you wanted them to be? Write these down in detail. The details become supporting secondary goals to reach your main goal.
There are many solutions to a problem. Develop a list of different ways to solve the problem.
Consider your values, preferences, and resources, then decide how best to reach your goals. Search for solutions to your secondary goals which you can live with.
These become supporting goals which will help you reach your secondary and primary goals.
Break down the supporting goals into doable small steps.
Write them down in the order they need to be accomplished. Give the starting date and a projected finish date for each step.
Commit yourself to start and finish each step.
List things that you can do to reward yourself when you finish each step. Consider your resources when deciding what you can afford to reward yourself. Example: Take a bubble bath, visit a friend, or go out to lunch.
Vary the types of rewards you give yourself. If renting a video is your reward every time, you may become a couch potato.
Write down the requirements for getting the reward.
Give yourself small rewards for accomplishing small steps and larger rewards for larger steps. Rewards are not bribery, but a pat on the back for setting and reaching your goals.
Decide what consequences will take place if you haven't finished your goal by a certain time or if you slip up and do the unwanted behavior. Write this down in detail. Example: If I do not finish my scripture reading before dinnertime, then I give up dessert for the day.
Before you begin a goal you should write down the primary, secondary, and supporting goals along with the start and finish dates, rewards, and consequences.
Then, ask God to help you obtain you goals.
Each morning ask God for His help to do better that day.
Evaluate your progress with God nightly.
Ask your loved ones, friends, and Visiting Teachers to help monitor and support your progress.
Picture yourself feeling and acting as if you have already reached your goal. The more vivid the picture the better chance you have or reaching your goal.
Try never to set goals which involve the participation of others. These goals are seldom accomplished since you are the one that is motivated.
Don't quit because things aren't working out. Some goals may need some changes to make them work better. Review the effectiveness of each step and make changes where needed.
Don't make goals which are so strict they don't leave room for effective living and goal attainment too. Bad Example: I will read one chapter in my scriptures daily for a week. This should read: I will read one chapter in my scriptures daily or 7 chapters for the week. This example allows for sickness or other reasons that would otherwise cause you to fail because of the strictness of the first example.
Changes made in your life affect you and all you come in contact with. Some of those people may try to get you to remain the same, because the same is comfortable and change is threatening to them. Your change could make them look inward, seeing things which need changing, causes feelings of inadequacy and discomfort. Being forewarned is being forearmed. This warning will aid your ability to change in spite of others wanting things to stay the same.
When you change for the good you will affect others more positively and, hopefully, help them want to change too. Remember, you cannot change others; they must do this for themselves. You can only be the catalyst.

Below is an example of a goal ready to start.

Primary Goal: Get a one year supply of food.

Secondary Goal: Spend $10.00 per month on food the family likes.

a. Supporting Step: Purchase plastic storage containers to store food in.

b. Supporting Step: Buy basic foods like wheat, powdered milk, salt, & sugar.

c. Supporting Step: Mark items with the date purchased.

d. Supporting Step: Use old food stored first. Start date: September 1, 1997

Finish date: Continuous until 1 years of food is amassed.

Reward: Pat self on the back and self sufficiency.

Consequence: Not prepared for the last days/starvation.

Annette Nay, MS