I had just picked up my 18-year-old nephew from my sister's place when my OWL landed on my head to deliver my monthly assignment from my wonderful editors. I decided to wait till later to actually open it to see what was the decided theme. I just wanted to spend time with Jaziaha. I turned to focus on what he was telling me about setting a new years resolution, and how he needed help trying to figure out how to break it down into manageable chunks. That gave me an idea of something I could teach him, as well as a craft for us to do together. So as we were walking, I decided to tell him how I reached my goals. Then we could create a lovely tracking tool.
Specific
First, you need to be specific in your goal - not a broad one. You don't want to do anything but, a specific objective to reach. To make sure to be able to achieve it, make sure your goals are specific to what you're working on.
Measurable
Secondly, your goals need to be measurable, which will help you evaluate the success or failure of your goal. Your goals should have some objective way to measure them - whether that's a deadline, a number, a percent change, or some other measurable unit.
Achievable
Third, You don't want your goals to be too easy to achieve - but you also want to make sure that you could, conceivably, hit. Achievable says that your goals shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility.
Realistic
In addition to setting Achievable goals, they need to be realistic ones that can actually be reached.
Time-Bound
Your goal should have an end date. Without a time limit, your goal could drag on forever. Deadlines provide a sense of urgency so that short-term tasks don't drag into long-term goals unnecessarily.
Now you see, as I was explaining all of this to my nephew, he gave me the blankest look, so I decided to make him an achievement chart to help him.
Wand
Sticky back velcro / or sticking charm
Scissors / or cutting spell
Small toy /or place marker from an old game
Card stock Paper
Steps
1. Print off a picture of a pirate ship or a game board onto the card stock.
2. Place a small bit of velcro onto each sail or space on your board.
3. Place a bit of the opposite kind of velcro on the game piece.
4. Write out Your goal on the top of the ship or game board.
5. Write each step out on the spaces, or sails.
6. As you achieve each step, you move your counter up the board till you reach the top, which is your goal.
Good Luck, my dear readers. I hope you are able to achieve your short and long-term goals this year. Till next month Your friendly little dragon is going to set out a goal for herself.