Foundational Digital Skills, Financial Literacy, Communication and Time management and Goal-Setting: Watch and Reflect: Making Goals that Stick

Watch:

Setting goals is one thing—sticking with them is another. Sometimes we get excited about making a change or chasing a dream, only to lose steam after a few days or weeks. That’s where the process of intentional goal setting really matters.

Reflect:

The video walks you through five powerful strategies that can help your goals not only take shape but truly take hold. These strategies will help you turn a vague intention into a focused plan—one that’s realistic, motivating, and built to last.

Whether you're new to the SMART method or looking to refine your goal-setting habits, this video will break things down in a simple, practical way.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Set Motivating Goals – Why your “why” matters, and how to set goals you actually care about
Set SMART Goals – A step-by-step guide to making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound
Put Your Goals in Writing – The power of seeing your goals on paper and how it boosts commitment
Make an Action Plan – How to break big goals into manageable steps you can follow
Stick With It – Tips for staying on track, staying flexible, and adjusting when life throws curveballs

Objective: Develop a SMART goal framework

As you watch, think about one goal you've been considering lately. How could you use these five strategies to bring it to life?

When you're ready, press play—and be ready to take notes or jot down reflections that stand out.

How to Complete Your Action Plan

Now that you’ve identified a meaningful goal, it’s time to make it real by building an action plan.This worksheet will help you break your goal into smaller steps, prepare for obstacles, and identify the tools and resources you’ll need to succeed.

Take your time with each section—this is your personal roadmap to progress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Define Your Goal
Write your goal clearly at the top of the page. Make sure it’s a SMART goal—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

2. Set a Deadline and Define Success
In the box labeled “Date to finish,” write when you want to complete your goal.
In “How will I measure my success?”, describe what success will look like. How will you know when you’ve reached your goal?

3. Break Down the Steps
Under “Steps to Achieving my Goal,” list the specific actions you need to take.
For each step:

Describe what needs to be done
Estimate how much time it will take
Set a realistic completion date

4. Plan for Obstacles
In the next section, think about what could get in your way. These might be time constraints, stress, lack of motivation, or outside responsibilities. For each obstacle, write how you plan to respond. This helps you stay prepared and flexible.

5. Identify Tools and Resources
Finally, think about what will help you succeed. In “Helpful Tools,” list any apps, planners, schedules, or habits you can use.
In “Helpful Resources,” include people (mentors, tutors, advisors), support services, websites, or campus programs that can support your journey.

Remember: This plan is for you. It's not about perfection—it’s about creating a clear, realistic path toward something that matters.