13 Section 1.1 Your Career Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Measurable For a goal to be measurable, the progress should be able to be tracked. Many people say, “My goal is to…” but never figure out how or when they will reach their goal. Measuring goals is like keeping track of mileage on a trip. Following the map helps to know how much farther a destination is at any point in time. Attainable Is the goal actually attainable? For example, a student may want to be an electrical engineer. Engineers, however, need very strong math and science skills. The goal becomes more attainable with a plan to obtain the necessary aptitudes and skills. Realistic For a goal to be realistic, it must also be practical. High goals can be achieved if the person is highly motivated and has a plan to achieve them. Sometimes several shorter, more realistic goals are necessary to reach a final goal. For example, your final goal may be to own a clothing store. Your first goal might be to become a manager in the store where you currently work. After learning how to manage that store, perhaps the next goal could be to open your own store. Timely Setting a time for achieving a goal is the step most often overlooked. A goal needs an end date for progress to stay on track. For example, you may have a goal to find a summer job. If you do not set a firm date for starting the job search, summer might come without you applying for a job. However, if you decide to apply to three businesses every week—with the goal of having a job by May 15—you now have an end date. This helps you remain motivated to reach your goal on time.