Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.
The act of planning gives you a starting point to see what works and what doesn't, so expect to tweak your plan as you start making progress.
You can't start to put your plan into action if you don't prepare either! The act of planning will help you know what kinds of things you might need.
You can't start to put your plan into action if you don't prepare either! The act of planning will help you know what kinds of things you might need.
Planning
This is definitely one of the hardest parts of SPEAR, but because the plan is guaranteed to change you shouldn't feel much pressure! Think of this as a good brainstorming session.
Sit down with someone who can help you solve your problem (achieve your goal). Next think about all of the aspects of your life that might relate to the goal indirectly. For example if your goal relates to doing better in school, think about what could help you focus and perform better, and what your shortcomings are (turning work in late, not studying, etc.).
Sit down with someone who can help you solve your problem (achieve your goal). Next think about all of the aspects of your life that might relate to the goal indirectly. For example if your goal relates to doing better in school, think about what could help you focus and perform better, and what your shortcomings are (turning work in late, not studying, etc.).
Questions to ask yourself: Who can help me figure out a plan? Is my plan easy to follow? What obstacles might I encounter along the way? Is my plan broken down into small enough steps? |
PLANNING Example 1
SMART Goal: "I will get As in all of my 3rd MP classes."
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PLANNING Example 2
SMART Goal: "I will make the varsity soccer team in the fall."
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Preparation
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin
If you're not ready to put a plan into action, your plan will fail. One piece of advice: never save money on organization. Don't think "Wow, $10 for a planner? I don't need to spend that money." You do, and you should. Think about all of the other USELESS (or virtually useless) things you spend money on every year...
If you're not ready to put a plan into action, your plan will fail. One piece of advice: never save money on organization. Don't think "Wow, $10 for a planner? I don't need to spend that money." You do, and you should. Think about all of the other USELESS (or virtually useless) things you spend money on every year...
Questions to ask yourself: What can I buy/make to help me with my plan? Who can help me follow through with my plan? How can I use technology to help me succeed? |
PREPARATION Example 1
SMART Goal: "I will get As in all of my 3rd MP classes."
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PREPARATION Example 2
SMART Goal: "I will make the varsity soccer team in the fall."
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What does a plan look like?
Example
SMART Goal - "I will only have one tardy for the rest of the year." Go to bed by 11pm on school nights
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Characteristics
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Before You Move On...
Make sure you:
- Write down your plan underneath your goal
- Have someone to help you carry out your plan (a teacher, friend, sibling, parent, coach, etc.)
- Check that your plan is easy and simple to follow