Running Head: GOAL SETTING

Goal Setting
Angelica M. Bernal
University of South Florida

GOAL SETTING

Goal setting is part of our everyday life. We set goals on a personal level, at work,
with friends, and many more. Setting goals gives us a purpose; it helps us prioritize and
organize our life through meeting our achievements. Think about how hectic life would be if
we did not set goals. Many historic accomplishments would not have been met if it weren't
for the initial step of setting a goal. One important thing to note is that goals cannot be
vague, they must be specific in every area. For example, the first person to climb Mount
Everest did not set his goal as "climb Mount Everest". He must have used a more effective
model to help him meet his goal. The SMART model helps bring structure to goal setting
and makes every goal closer to reality. In order for your goal to be SMART, it must meet the
criteria:
S- Specific: The more specific, the easier in achieving!
M- Measurable: This helps in identifying exactly what you want to achieve. Break your goal
down to its measurable elements!
A- Attainable: Do you have the attitude, skills, and abilities to reach your high goal?
R- Realistic: Are you willing to do it? Are you capable of doing it?
T- Timely: Make a deadline!
My short-term goals for this year are the following:
- Continue to study 6 times a week until my NCLEX date, which is one month after
graduation.
- Pass the NCLEX the first time!
- Study through Kaplan starting July 2016 at least 30 hours a week for 5 months in
preparation for the GRE in November 2016.
- Apply for the BSN to PhD program after receiving passing GRE and NCLEX scores, but
before December 16, 2016.

GOAL SETTING

- Get accepted in the BSN to PhD program and begin my 4.5 year concentration in
pediatrics Fall 2017.
- Apply to the Graduate Nurse Resident Program by April 4th and get an interview.
- Recruit in the Navy in the next 1-2 years.

My long-term goals are:

- Graduate from the PhD program in Fall 2021.
- Be at least a CNII at my current employer and working towards becoming a CNIII.