Once you’ve set your goals and targets the next step is to put them into action. It’s likely that having your goals broken down into smaller steps, or targets will make it a lot easier for you to achieve your goals in the long-run.
Develop a plan of action. Write a step-by-step plan for achieving your smaller steps, and ultimately your main goal. This includes planning deadlines for each target and writing down all the “nitty-gritty” small things you can do today, tomorrow, and later on this week in order to achieve your goal and targets.
Identify the obstacles. Sometimes, in spite of the best intentions and thorough planning, obstacles get in the way. Obstacles don’t necessarily stop you from achieving your goals, but they present a roadblock. They challenge you to devise strategies to overcome them.
Focus on the rewards. You might feel motivated if you focus on rewards rather than the pain involved in achieving your goals. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to write down all the benefits you hope to gain.
Visualize success. You can create an image of the things that you want to achieve and use it for inspiration.
Other tips
Be flexible. There’s never just one way to achieve something. Have multiple options in mind to achieve your goals.
Get support. This could be practical support from teachers or coaches, or moral support, from those like friends, elders, spiritual leaders and family.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
Special Thanks:
Rebekka Meyer, Project Director at FirstPic, Inc., has 13 years of program and administrative experience in youth development, education, and government programs. She has served Boys & Girls Clubs of America affiliates as an employee in Pine Ridge, SD, and Lower Brule, SD, as a National Training Associate, and as a nationwide onsite training and technical assistance provider. Additionally, through a partnership with the National Congress of American Indians, she wrote and piloted the T.R.A.I.L. Diabetes Prevention program curriculum for Native American youth. Rebekka is an alumnus of AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. She holds Bachelor’s in Political Science from Truman State University in Missouri and a Masters in International Business from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
