An achievable goal is a goal that you can actually do. You can successfully complete this goal with a little bit of hard work and dedication. Goals that are not achievable will only discourage you until you give up.
A = Achievable. Ask yourself questions like these: Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? Have others been able to do it successfully?
What kinds of goals are achievable, and which are not? Use the slide show below to practice distinguishing between the two.
Is this goal achievable?
This goal is NOT achievable. Although it may be exciting to think about graduating from a four-year college in one year, it is just not possible. A more achievable goal is "I will graduate college early by taking more classes each semester and taking courses during the summer semesters."
Is this goal achievable?
This goal is NOT achievable. You may work out and lift weights every day, but it is not humanly possible to gain 5 lbs. of muscle in one week. With a lot of hard work and dedication, it is possible to gain 1 lb. of lean muscle a week.
Is this goal achievable?
This IS an achievable goal. Suppose you pinch every penny and are cautious of what you buy. In that case, you could easily afford to travel abroad by saving 20% of your paycheck.
As you saw in the slide show, you have to examine a goal very carefully to know whether or not it's achievable. Use this activity to give yourself a little more practice. Evaluate each goal, and decide whether or not it is achievable.
1. I will let my hair grow for one year and then cut and donate it to charity.
This goal is very achievable and also honorable. You can easily let your hair grow long enough for one year and then have it cut and donated to charity.
This goal is very achievable and also honorable. You can easily let your hair grow long enough for one year and then have it cut and donated to charity.
2. I will learn to play the guitar by practicing for 30 minutes every night for a week so that I can join a rock band.
Although it's possible to practice the guitar every night for 30 minutes, you will not have mastered the instrument well enough in a week to join a rock band.
Although it's possible to practice the guitar every night for 30 minutes, you will not have mastered the instrument well enough in a week to join a rock band.
3. I will learn sign language so that I can communicate with my friend Jen.
This one is a little tricky. This goal IS achievable. However, this goal is NOT measurable.
This one is a little tricky. This goal IS achievable. However, this goal is NOT measurable.
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