Creating goals

by Denise Wright, Ph.D, BCBA, LBA

​When we decide we want to change our behavior, we have turn our dream into an actual goal. The goal outlines the outcome in a specific measurable, achievable and relevant time-based format.
Specific- You must describe exactly what it is that you intend to do.
Measurable- The goal must include something that can be counted or quantified such as duration or frequency.
Achievable- The goal should be based on something you can do; it must be something that does not require vast change that would be insurmountable.
Relevant- The goal must be related to the dream- it must be something important and meaningful that will help you to accomplish the goal.
Time based- The goal must have a time frame by which the goal should be met to measure efficacy and hold one accountable. 

In the example of a dream presented in my previous blog, we start with a dream of living a healthier lifestyle, then we outline one way we could go about living a healthy lifestyle (exercising more). The next step will be to write a goal.

Goal:
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“I would like to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising via any combination of riding a bicycle, walking outdoors, walking on the treadmill, or completing functional training at the gym for one hour a day five days a week by the end of six months.”

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This goal is specific.
It outlines exactly what I intend to do.

It is measurable in that we can count the duration of time I will complete each activity and the frequency of days.

It is achievable because I currently exercise by walking, riding my bicycle, walking on the treadmill, or completing functional training in the gym 2-3 days a week for 45 minutes to an hour.

The goal is relevant because it presents ways of exercising that could help me live a healthier lifestyle.
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It is time based in that I have provided a date by which I expect the goal to be completed. Using a time frame holds one accountable and it allows us to see if the goal was accomplished. If there was never a completion date, we would not be able to conclude if the goal was achieved!

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​If you are turning your dreams into accomplishments along with me then try to turn a dream you have into a goal.
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In my next blog, we will outline objectives!