GOALS - are specific objectives of specific systems and may be otherwise referred to as operating or program objectives or goals, operating standards, performance levels, targets, or expected results (and) Goals are broad statements of ideal future conditions that are desired by the community or an individual and contained in a comprehensive plan.

CRITERIA FOR LONG-TERM GOAL SETTING

1. Conceivable -- capable of being put into words

2. Believable -- to the person setting it

3. Achievable -- person has the strengths, energy and time to accomplish it

4. Measurable -- time and accomplishment outcomes

5. Desirable -- wanted

TIPS

• Positive Statement: express your goals positively
• Set Priorities: where you have several goals, give each a priority. This helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many goals, and helps to direct your attention to the most important ones.
• Set Specific Goals.
• Set specific measurable goals. If you achieve all conditions of a measurable goal, then you can be confident and comfortable in its achievement. If you consistently fail to meet a measurable goal, then you can adjust it or analyze the reason for failure and take appropriate action to improve skills.
• Set Realistic Goals
• Thinking a goal through

When you are thinking about how to achieve goals, asking the following questions can help you to focus on the sub-goals that lead to their achievement:

What skills do I need to achieve this?

What information and knowledge do I need?

What help, assistance, or collaboration do I need?

What resources do I need?

What can block progress?

Am I making any assumptions?

Is there a better way of doing things?