Goal Setting

[Veronica]

I think one of the things that sets me apart from my peers is I believe setting goals is very important. I encourage my students to think about what they are not very good at and to focus on ways to get better at those things. And every week they write a reflection on how they are doing on those goals. Now I can't tell you the goals of all 32 of my kids, but I do know the goals of those who struggle academically or socially and I help them monitor themselves daily.

Obviously I set goals for myself too.

I am 12.3 miles away from achieving my yearly running goal. I am really looking forward to achieving it both for myself and to be able to talk with students about what happens when you stay focused for the long haul. I am fortunate that 24 of my students were with me last year as 4th graders and we can discuss how long a year seems at the beginning but looking back - was it really?

So what's happened to me in a year?

I've lost 14 pounds and nearly 11% body fat and I've gained almost 5 pounds of muscle.

My average pace for a 3 mile run has dropped to around 9:30. And for a 5 - 8 mile run it's around 10:30.

I am no longer afraid of 5 - 8 mile runs and I've learned how to pace myself better up hills.

I call myself a runner now, when I'm not calling myself a triathlete.

Veronica

[limewave]

Yay for goal-setting! I like to set goals too. It's a tangible way to measure your success and achievements. It also gives you focus so you don't wander through life. Now that I've achieved some of my goals, when I get discouraged, I can look back and think "wow! I did that. If I keep working hard, I can do this too."

I wanted to run a 9 min/mile 25k and I ended up running an 8:35/mile 25k

I wanted a new xc bike, it took an entire year, but I managed to save up the money to do it.

I have others, but those are the two that come to mind . . .

And here is the before/after photo . . . I believe this has a lot to do with goal-setting. And really, just believing that you can change, you do have some control in the direction you want your life to go . . .

[Veronica]

Wow! You have much to be proud of there Limewave. I'm always so dang impressed with your running times!

Veronica

[lph]

Limewave, you look terrific! What a great photo.

[GLC1968]

You both have accomplished so much! Outstanding work!

I am also into goal setting. Though, over the years, I've learned that I do better with longer term goals that do not necessarily have a specific timeline attached to them. I like having the general direction, but I also need the flexibility in terms of how I get there. If I'm too structured, I get super anal about stuff and then I blow up.

I think that it is also important to constantly evaluate your goals and readjust as necessary. 10 years ago today, my husband and I had our first date. Had you asked me then where I'd see us in 10 years, I'm pretty sure that 'on a small farm in Oregon' would not have been my response! I guaranteed that I would NEVER have expected that I would become a runner. In fact, that goal didn't surface until 2009 and when I look back now, it amazes me how far I've been able to come.

Goal setting is fun...particularly when you meet them!