Goal setting is an important thing especially when it comes to people with ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning concerns. However, understanding goal-setting is a whole other ballgame. Just because one wants to set goals does not mean he or she is setting good and achievable goals. Here is an example…

I want to lose weight

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this goal except there’s not much more than a statement involved. Obviously, the ultimate goal is to lose weight, but there’s not much in the way of a plan to lose weight in this statement. Here are some questions that should tie into this goal…

How much weight do you want to lose?

What are benchmarks for success (i.e, how much weight per week, per month, etc.)

How do you evaluate success?

What happens if there’s a slip-up or a benchmark isn’t met?

How will you maintain this goal upon completion?

Most of my clients miss goals by not putting specifics into place. Goal setting shouldn’t set one up for failure before it begins. Setting an expectation of losing weight doesn’t need to involve an unrealistic number that will never be met. I like goals to have these following components…

Measurable

Achievable

Reviewable

The first two are obvious. But what about reviewable? What does that mean? Well let’s say a goal isn’t being met. What should you do? Scrap the goal? Quit? Obviously these are two options, but one’s that will not get you to a level of success. Instead, being able to review and revamp goals will keep you on course. Just because it isn’t working doesn’t mean it is a bad goal. It just means you need to recalabrate expectations.

For more information on my ADD, ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching, please visit www.adhdefcoach.com. In addition to working with clients in-person, I also work with clients all over the United States and World online, please visit www.onlineadhdcoach.com for more information. To learn more about my other services, please visit www.carrolleducationalgroup.com & www.iepexperts.com. I can be found on Twitter at ADHDGuru. You can also find me on Facebook, Google Plus and Tumblr. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.