A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish

You can make your dreams come true by simply applying the S.M.A.R.T goal technique.  The “S” stands for specific.  Make sure that your goals answer the six “W” questions: who, what, where, when, which and why.  The “M” stands for measurable. You want to establish a mode for measuring your progress.  The “A” stands for attainable.  You must figure out the various ways to reach your goals.  “R” stands for realistic.  Get ready to work to your best ability in order to achieve your goals.  Lastly, “T” stands for timely.  Set up a time frame in which you will attain your goals.  Without these five guidelines, your goals will be dreams that only luck can bring.

My goal for this coming year is to apply to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UCSD, UC Davis, UCSB, USC, and USD before Thanksgiving on November 27.  I will need to fill out all the required fields on the online application such as listing all of my extracurricular as well as sending in my test scores.  I will also need to finalize my personal statements with the help of my college counselor.  I will work each day in order to achieve this goal in time.  The only obstacle I have that may hinder my progress is my minimal time.  I will need time to also complete homework and study for tests..  I cannot afford to waste any of my time.  I must use every second wisely.

My goal for the next five years is to pay off my undergraduate student loans that I will incur while attending a four year university.  I will need help from a financial planner in order to make payments in a timely manner so that all of the loans will be paid off five years from now.  I will need to get a job while in college.  There are a lot of obstacles that will be in my way while I work toward this goal of mine.  Not only will I use the money I receive from my job toward my student loans but I will also use it to pay for my daily necessities and housing.  Also, I need to learn how to juggle work, school, homework, and my social time.  This goal requires hard work and I am willing to dedicate myself to this so that these loans are paid off as soon as possible, especially before I have a family.

My goal for the next ten years is to attend and graduate from a California medical school and specialize in Dermatology.  I will need to receive very high grades in undergraduate school and score high on the MCAT in order to reach this goal. I will need to use student loans in order to pay for this education.  The biggest obstacle that could hinder me from reaching this goal is losing the dedication that becoming a doctor requires since the schooling is so extreme and extensive.  In the future, if I ever feel like giving up, I will look at this blog and remind myself of the passion I have for the health field. 

The three goals that I have described above are all related to academics.  Goals do not need to be related to this subject.  Goal setting can take place in every aspect of your life such as your relationships or your health.  One health goal that I have for my senior year of high school is to weigh a fit and healthy 115 pounds by the end of January.  I will need to workout everyday and eat lean, green, and clean in order to make this goal attainable.  I will need to fight the many obstacles that are approaching such as the temptation to stuff my face with holiday goods and treats.  I need to stay motivated and on track so that I reach this goal by January. 

           

Goals can also be career related.  My career related goal refers to my iQuest internship at the hospital.  I want to have a blog created with all the terminology that I have gained during my numerous visits in the telemetry and wound care units.  I will have this blog completed by the end of the school year.  An obstacle that I could run into is forgetting to bring my notebook to the hospital so that I can’t write down the terms that I am learning.  When I forget my notebook it is very difficult to remember all the words that I’ve been taught.  I will keep my notebook in my car at all times to avoid this obstacle.

Furthermore, anyone can turn their dreams into attainable goals if they follow the S.M.A.R.T rules.  It also helps to write down your goals and to place this note somewhere where you will be able to see it everyday so that you are reminded of them.  Work hard and never give up on your goals.