What is a goal?
A goal is something you decide to reach. A need is something you must have, like food. A want is something nice to have, like a toy. Goals can be small (read a book this week) or big (buy a bicycle this year). Goals can be personal (for you) or for the family (for everyone at home).
How to choose a good goal
A good goal is SMART:
- Specific: clear, not "I want a bicycle someday" but "a 1200 bicycle".
- Measurable: you can count it, such as money or pages.
- Achievable: not too hard for you.
- Realistic: it matches your resources.
- Time-bound: it has a date, like "in 12 weeks".
Ask three questions: Why do I want this? Is it possible? By when?
Resources needed to reach the goal
Resources are the things you use to reach a goal. Four common ones: money (savings, pocket money), time (hours each day or week), skills and knowledge (what you must learn), and help from people (family, teachers, friends). Resources are limited, so check that you have enough. If you do not, change the goal, give it more time or find more resources.
Make an action plan
An action plan is a written list of steps that tells you what to do, when, and who will help. Steps:
- Write the goal with a number and a date.
- List the resources.
- Cut the goal into small steps (milestones).
- Give each step a date and a helper.
- Check progress every week. If you are late, change the plan, not the goal.
Example: goal 1200 in 12 weeks. Weekly saving = 1200 ÷ 12 = 100.
Key formulas and definitions
- Weeks needed = goal cost ÷ saving per week
- Saving per week = goal cost ÷ number of weeks
- Progress % = (saved ÷ goal cost) × 100
- SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound
Worked examples
1. A family wants a fridge costing 18000 and can save 1500 each month. How many months are needed?
18000 ÷ 1500 = 12 months.
2. You want to buy a 900 game in 6 weeks. How much must you save each week?
900 ÷ 6 = 150 per week.
3. You have saved 360 for a 1200 bicycle. What percent of the goal is done and how much is left?
(360 ÷ 1200) × 100 = 30 percent. Left = 1200 − 360 = 840.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a goal with no number or date. "Save some money" cannot be checked.
- Making the goal too big in one jump. Cut it into small steps.
- Forgetting resources such as time or help. Money alone is often not enough.
- Giving up after one late week. Change the plan, keep the goal.