Lecture on Goal Setting for Dream Chasing

Importance of Setting Goals

• Tracking progress through milestones
  • Shows accomplishments
  • Helps achieve more
• Statistics on goal setting
  • People without goals are less successful
  • Writing down goals increases likelihood of accomplishment
• Personal experiences over 10 years
  • Goals are crucial for realizing dreams
  • Provide momentum to overcome adversity

Current Debate on Goal Setting

• Recent trend against setting goals
  • Negative feelings from unmet goals
  • Lack of follow-through
• Should we set goals?
  • YES!
  • Problems: Poor goal creation & fear

Common Issues with Goal Setting

• 10-year personal example
  • Vague, general ideas without action plans
  • Leads to failed goals

Introducing the SMARTER System

• Specific
  • More specific = Easier to track progress
  • Example: "I will weigh 200 lbs"
• Measurable
  • Trackable details
  • Example: "I will complete a 50,000 word novel"
• Actionable
  • Clear actions, use verbs
  • Example: "I will read 24 books"
• Relevant (or Relatable)
  • Goals should fit into current life situation
  • Create achievable goals, especially for beginners
  • Example: "I will decrease my percent body fat by 10%"
• Time-bound
  • Set deadlines to create urgency
  • Example: "I will write a 50,000 word novel by December 31st"
• Evaluate
  • Regular evaluation is critical
  • Monthly evaluations & weekly reviews recommended
• Reward
  • Provide rewards for milestones
  • Example: "Pay off debt by December 31st, buy one $100 item as a reward"

Conclusion

• Overcoming past failures
  • C.S. Lewis quote: "You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."
• Goals can change your story and help you chase dreams