Lesson 27
Goal Setting
Building on earlier lessons about SMART goals, participants learn advanced goal-setting techniques. This lesson emphasizes the importance of written goals, regular review, and adjusting goals as circumstances change.
Module Resources
In This Module
Advanced Techniques
Move beyond basic goal-setting to master-level practices
Written Goals
Understand the power of writing down and reviewing goals
Adjusting Course
Learn when and how to modify goals as circumstances change
Advanced Goal Setting
Earlier in this course, we introduced SMART goals. Now we go deeper into the science and practice of effective goal setting. Research consistently shows that people who set specific, written goals achieve significantly more than those who don't.
The Power of Written Goals
Writing your goals does something powerful:
- Clarifies your thinking and forces specificity
- Creates a commitment that feels more real
- Provides a reference for review and adjustment
- Activates your brain's reticular activating system, making you notice opportunities
Keep your written goals where you'll see them regularly. Review them daily.
Goal Hierarchy
Effective goal-setters work with multiple levels:
- Vision: Your long-term picture of success (5-10+ years)
- Major Goals: Significant achievements that move you toward your vision (1-5 years)
- Monthly/Quarterly Goals: Milestones toward your major goals
- Weekly Goals: Specific tasks and priorities
- Daily Actions: The work you do today
Reviewing and Adjusting
Goals are not set in stone. Life changes, and goals should be reviewed regularly:
- Daily: Review today's priorities
- Weekly: Assess progress on weekly goals, plan next week
- Monthly: Review progress toward larger goals
- Quarterly: Major review and adjustment
It's not failure to change a goal—it's wisdom to adjust as you learn and circumstances change.
Goal-Setting in Prison
While you may not control your release date, you control what you become before release. Set goals for:
- Education and skill development
- Character and emotional growth
- Physical health and fitness
- Relationships and communication
- Preparation for release
Reflection Exercises
Write responses to the following questions. Take time for thoughtful, detailed answers.
Long-Term Vision
Write a detailed description of your life 5-10 years from now. What have you achieved? How do you spend your days?
Major Goals
List 3-5 major goals that will move you toward your vision. Make each SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
This Month
What specific goals will you accomplish this month? How do they connect to your major goals?
Review System
How will you review your goals regularly? Create a specific plan for daily, weekly, and monthly review.