Use the Sun Diagram to list ideas, and the planning worksheet which follows to write your ideas out in more detail. Read through the worksheet first to get an overall picture of the process.

Introduction: This worksheet is sequential, and outlines steps by use of prompts that will take the reader through a goal-defining process. Going through it once in a non-strenuous way will set the stage for practical use.

1. Visionary

Define the Destination

"We must have a proper picture of what we want before we can have something approaching it." M.K. Gandhi

Ideal: A conception of something in its perfection; a standard of perfection or excellence.

Goal: Aim; end; the result or achievement towards which effort is directed.

One may envision an ideal or a goal from many aspects, for example, spiritual, moral, mental, emotional, physical, or (future) career, family, financial status, living environment, contribution to society, global welfare, etc. Choose the aspect by which you wish to envision your ideal or goal, reflect upon it, and record the kernels of your thought below under "Long Range".

Long Range Goal. The time to actualize the goal could range from at least one to twenty years or more. Can you see yourself in twenty years? Try to produce specific images.

Long Range:

Now translate that long range into an intermediate goal, and then a short range goal. For example, if one chose to open one's own business in graphic design as a long term goal, completing a degree in Graphic Communications, Multimedia, could be the intermediate goal, and completing GP 102: Comp Design Tech with an A grade might be the short-term goal.

Intermediate:

Short-term:

2. Specify Objectives

Objective: Something toward which effort is directed; an aim, goal, or end of action.

Now consider three important objectives you wish to accomplish in order to move toward your goals. Objectives are more specific than goals, and are described in terms of actions or behaviors.

1.

2.

3.

3. Discipline

Discipline: Self-chosen activity, exercises or regulated course or manner of living that improves a skill; training.

Making a commitment to a plan of action and following through on self-chosen rules and duties not only brings one's plans into being, but also produces self-respect and continuity of consciousness. Define three plans of action that would form a positive self-discipline on the path leading to your destination.

Action 1:

Action 2:

Action 3:

4. Completion

Metacognition involves monitoring your plan of action and making changes as needed. List below how you might retool your discipline, if necessary, and what criteria you will use to evaluate your progress toward your goals. It is important to take time to write down considerations, seed ideas, or plans relevant for future endeavors.

1. Retooling

2. Evaluation and Criteria

3. Future Planning

What did you notice, discover, or learn from going through this process? Do you have any suggestions about how to improve this worksheet? Send your feedback to the author by clicking here. Thank you!