How do I set good priorities and goals?

Priorities and goals are essential to having a healthy and balanced life.

Priorities are elements in your life that you find important. It is important to ask yourself, “What is really important to me? What do I value?” Think about your priorities. Your education is probably included on your list. While your education is really important, it is also critical that you make time to have fun with your friends, enjoy family interaction, participate in a hobby, play a sport, learn more about God, and much more.

Goals are also important. Goals are something you are aiming for or a result you desire. Maybe you want to complete a large project by a certain date. Or maybe you want to save enough money to buy a new laptop. Goals keep you motivated!

Here are some keys to setting goals that are S.M.A.R.T!

S: Specific -- Clearly define the goal. You can ask yourself, “What do I want to do? Why do I want to do it? How do I plan to do it?”

M: Measurable -- When a goal is measurable, you can tell you have completed it! If it isn’t measurable, how will you know when your goal has been reached?

A: Attainable -- Is your goal possible? Goals should challenge you, but you should be able to complete them. If you have the skills and resources you need, you will be motivated to achieve your goal. 

R: Realistic -- Is your goal realistic? You don’t want your goal to be too hard, but you do want it to challenge you.

T: Timely -- Give your goal a deadline. Can you complete the goal in a timely manner? You may want to divide your goal into smaller pieces and develop a schedule for completion.

Tell a friend about your goal and ask him or her to keep you accountable. Request that he or she ask you about it and encourage you to keep working hard. Then let your goal motivate you to success!