Lesson 4. Methods of setting goals.

1.Classification of goals
- Goals of the high level and of the low level;
- According to the person who sets the goal: internal goals and external;
- Strategic goals (results in the future), tactical (results in the near future) and
operational goals (results in the current time);
- Long-term (5-10 years), medium-term (1-5 years) and short-term (up to 1
year).
- General goals (description of the result in general words), approximate
(time and conditions vary), accurate (achievable description), absolutely
accurate (the goal has the nature of a specific task).

2. Goal-setting method: BSQ

B – thinking big
S – act small
Q – move quick

Begin this goal-setting method by “thinking big.” Summarize your goal in several
words or a sentence. Don’t worry if your goal seems unreachable now. The idea is
to start big and to then move on to the specific steps that will make your goal
attainable.

The next step in BSQ is to “act small.” That is, enumerate each action you will
take to reach your goal—for instance, to craft a well-written cover letter or to
attend a networking event at your college. It’s best to be as detailed as possible
with this step; vague courses of action will not give you a clear idea of how to
reach your goal.

Finally, “move quick.” This is the step where you establish deadlines for yourself.
Develop a separate deadline for each action you have brainstormed in the previous
step.

3. Goal-setting method: SMART

SMART is an acronym that explains the characteristics that contribute to effective

goals:
Specific: Your goal should be precise. Rather than setting the general goal to read
more, decide how often and how much you would like to read.

Measurable: Your goal’s failure or success can be calculated in some way. For
example, you can measure your progress by the number of pages you have read in
a day or week, or by the amount of time you have spent reading in a day or week.

Agreed upon: In the event that other parties are involved, everyone needs to agree
on the goal. If you are part of a book club, all members should agree on the reading
material or pace. Otherwise, the club may dissolve due to differences of opinion.

Realistic: Your goal must be attainable. For instance, you should allot yourself
weeks to read a novel, not days. Be honest about what your schedule and brain can
handle, and don’t set unrealistic goals.

Time-based: Your goal should have a deadline. Give yourself neither too much
nor too little time to accomplish your goal. A goal without a deadline will almost
certainly be postponed.

4. Goal-setting method: OGTM

The OGTM (or objectives, goals, tactics, and metrics) method for goal-setting
starts broad and becomes specific. You begin by creating an objective for yourself
—for example, to improve in English class. The OGTM method defines an
objective as a generalized, long-term hope that may be accomplished in a few
months or even a few years.

Next, streamline your objective into a goal (or a more tangible target). This may be
learning five new vocabulary words per week.

Tactics, much like the “act small” step in BSQ, refer to the techniques that enable
you to reach your objective. To improve your English grade, you can download a
vocabulary flashcard app for your phone or write in a journal every morning.

“Metrics,” much like “measurable” from the SMART acronym, refers to the
methodology for assessing a goal’s success. This step relies on numbers (such as
percentages) to tell a story about the extent to which the objective was achieved.
Practical tasks:

How could these students change their goals so that they're more SMART? Discuss

with your partner.

Home assignment

A bucket list

Is a creative and imaginative list of things you would like to do before you die
(kick the bucket). Read the example and write your own list.

Choose a goal-setting method and explain how you are going to achieve these
goals with the help of the method. Upload your bucket list to Moodle.

Example:

1. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa, Iceland.

2. Learn how to snowboard.
3. Learn sign language.
4. Get married.
5. Get a PhD.
6. Retire at 65.
7. Go on a road trip with a friend.
8. Go SCUBA diving.