Module 2Goal Setting

Module 2: Goal SettingLet’s talk about goals?

What’s a goal?

A goal is something that you aim for or something

that you set out to do.

If you have ever had any goals or have some that you’re thinking of right

now, check out this module!

Goals can be long-term or short term.

• Long-term goals…• are a long way away.

• are goals that you will reach a long time from now.

• Example: Graduating from high school.• You won’t know if

you’ve reached this goal for a long, long time.

•Short-term goals…•are much closer in time.•are goals you want to reach in a shorter time.

•Example: Staying awake through an entire class.•You will know if you’ve reached this goal at the end of the class period.

Objectives – the steps you take to reach your goal.

• Long-term goal: To graduate from high school

• Objectives:• Passing each class you take• Studying at least 10 hours per week• Staying awake in class

•Short-term goal: To stay awake in class•Objectives:•Go to bed early the night before•Drink a soda before class•Pinch yourself each time you feel like you’re starting to fall asleep

Your IEP Document

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Do you know where to look for the goals you, your teachers and your parents developed?

That’s right..on your IEP! Remember that IEP stands for Individualized Education Program.And it contains information like6.Your learning strengths7.Your learning limitations8.Your school related goals and9.Your goals and plans for the future

Goals and objectives lead to OUTCOMES

• Outcomes are what you expect to happen.

• Goals are what you aim to do to make those outcomes a reality.

Think of a map of the United States.

In your mind, put your finger on the state you live in.

Then, in your mind, take your other hand and put your finger on another

state you would like to visit.

The finger pointing to your state is where you are now.

The finger pointing to the state you want to visit is where you would like

to be. That state is your outcome!

• If you were using a map, what would you follow?

So how do you get from where you are to where you

want to be?

You would follow the roads, right?

Goals are like roads! They are how you get from now to the future!

• You may have to cross lakes or rivers, go over mountains or across deserts to get to where you want to go.

• Unless you have a great pair or walking shoes and are a great swimmer and mountain climber, you may need some support to reach the place where you want to go!

That’s okay!

Everyone needs support some times!

For traveling to the state you wish to

see, you may take a bus or a car, sail in a boat, or cruise in a

hot air balloon!

Don’t forget!• Creating goals is

important.

• It’s also important to create goals that you can reach and that you have some control over achieving.

My Goal: To be the first person to walk on the

moon.

Someone already did this. I cannot achieve this goal.

My New Goal: To become an astronaut and walk on the

moon.

The Story of Dan Winchester• Dan Winchester has a Ph.D. in

psychology. He is a psychologist. Dan is also a runner.

• Dan runs a lot so he signed up for a marathon. He set two goals – one was to finish the race and the second was to finish the race in less than 10 hours.

• Dan set his goal at 10 hours because he understands his abilities. You see, Dan has cerebral palsy. He uses many types of supports to do everything he does.

The Story of Dan (continued)

• Dan uses a wheelchair to race, a computer and mouth stick to write and has many friends who help him with things like changing his clothes or preparing a meal.

• As Dan was nearing the finish line for the first marathon he was in, he was discouraged because he had already taken 10 hours. BUT – he didn’t give up and quit.

• He finished the marathon in 11 hours and 20 minutes. He reached his goal of finishing the marathon!

The Moral of Dan’s Story

• Setting goals is important because it gives you something to work for.

• If you don’t reach all of your goals the first time, it’s okay. You can take another look at your goals and try again. Or you can rework your goals to try something different.

• What’s most important is that you create goals for yourself and figure out the steps (or objectives) to meet them.

Let’s Review Goals! Goals…

You can have short-term and long-term goals.

Objectives are the “steps” you take to reach your goal.

Usually, you have a desired outcome in mind when you set a goal.

Set goals for yourself that you can achieve.

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