Domestic Violence Awareness: Rules for Goal Setting

Rules for Goal Setting

1. Goals must be written. Plans to do anything are seldom carried out unless they are written down.
2. Goals must be specific. Goals that are generalized are difficult to deal with.
3. Goals must be positive. Anything that is not stated in a positive manner will not carry accomplishment with it.
4. Goals must be personal. You can only make a goal that is something for yourself.
5. Goals must be realistic. A goal that is only wishful thinking is not realistic.
6. Goals must be worthwhile. A goal can only be something you are willing to work toward.
7. Goals must be measurable. You should be able to measure how you are doing and when you get there.
8. Goals must have a target date. You must give a date for the completion of your goals and dates that you will check on your progress toward that goal. A specific date reminds you that it must be done by then, therefore motivating you to action.

During my time in the shelter, one of the assignments that they give us was to set goals for ourselves. Setting individual goals is the first step to independence and taking back control of your life. For some women, the goals were small (unenroll children in current school, enroll in new school by Wednesday), and for others, the goals were much larger (purchase a used, reliable Toyota Camry and find a job by Next month on the 15th). No matter the size or importance of these goals to others, this exercise was extremely important to help rebuild self-confidence and to instill in domestic violence violence survivors a sense of control over their lives.

While this post is geared towards survivors of domestic abuse, these are also great rules for entrepreneurs and businessmen/women. Don't be surprised if you see this list again in a different context! If you are in a domestic violence situation, you DO NOT have to stay. There is help no matter what your situation is. Please dial 211 and someone will be able to get you and any children involved to the resources that you need to get out safely