Chapter 4 Developing Decision-Making Skills 89
in your plan of action to meet the standard and
reach your goal.
Ethical standards are measures of proper con-
duct for individuals and members in society. Do
your personal standards measure up to ethical
standards? Will your standards help you become
more trustworthy, honest, caring, and considerate
of others? Such standards will help you mature
socially and emotionally and make decisions that
will support strong relationships.
The standards you develop from your per-
sonal experiences are not so easily measured.
Your standards are unique to you and may be dif-
ferent from the standards of others. For instance,
your standard for a good movie will be different
from a friend’s standards.
Sometimes differences in personal standards
cause confl ict. Your mother’s standard for a clean
room may differ from yours. When setting a goal,
it helps to know what the standard will be for
measuring success. Then you can include steps
Figure 4.5 Sean’s personal values can help him set and carry out his goals.
Steps in Goal Setting
Step 1 Identify a value and use it to set a goal.
Value: Physical fi tness
Long-term goal: To be physically fi t
Subgoals Short-Term Goals
• Lose 10 pounds.
• Develop good muscle tone.
• Strengthen heart.
• Lose 1 pound per week for 10 weeks.
• Work out three times per week.
• Run three times per week.
Step 2 Develop a plan of action to carry out goal.
Plan of Action
Goal Steps Time
To lose 10 pounds 1. Start watching calorie intake.
2. Identify types and quantity
of foods for each meal.
3. Identify low-calorie snacks.
4. Purchase low-calorie foods.
Monday morning
Monday evening
Monday evening
Tuesday
To work out three times a week 1. Get workout video.
2. Put time to work out on
daily schedule.
Tuesday
M-W-F at 7:00 a.m.
To run three times a week 1. Purchase running shoes.
2. Put time to run on agenda.
Tuesday
T-Th-Sat. at 7:00 a.m.
Step 3 Identify possible obstacles. List steps to avoid obstacles.
Possible Obstacles Steps to Avoid Obstacles
• Eating out
• Getting too hungry
• Sleeping late in the morning
• Not enough money for all purchases
1. Choose low-calorie foods at restaurants.
2. Keep low-calorie snacks available.
3. Have someone check up on me at 6:55 a.m.
4. Borrow a friend’s workout video and use
my old shoes to start the program. Make
purchases one at a time.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.