Final answer:
Goals should be time-limited to create urgency and benchmarks for tracking progress. They need to be relevant to ensure alignment with larger objectives and remain motivating. Examples of short and long term goals provided indicate the importance of setting achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Goals should be time-limited to create a sense of urgency, which helps motivate one to achieve them within a specified timeframe. This timetable also provides benchmarks to measure progress.
Goals also need to be relevant to ensure they align with larger objectives, making the effort spent on achieving them significant and justified. Relevance also helps in maintaining motivation towards achieving the goal.
Susie's aim of saving $4000 for a car in 6 months is an example of a short term goal, as it is expected to be accomplished in a relatively brief period. Similarly, Juan's aspiration to be on time for class daily for a month is also a short term goal due to the limited timeframe.
A good plan encompasses specific steps, whereas challenges and noncommitment are not typical attributes of a well-designed plan. Karen's goal to get her driver's license in three weeks and Fred's goal to graduate with a 3.5 GPA in the next year are examples of a short term goal and a long term goal, respectively.
For a goal to be measurable, there must be quantifiable aspects that can indicate progress. Benchmarks serve as reference points to gauge this progress.
A benchmark is a term used for a point of reference that allows one to measure the progress they have made towards achieving a goal.
A goal should be achievable to create motivation, ensuring that it is within the realm of possibility and encouraging the necessary steps to be taken.