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Goals to Gold!

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Melanie Rose

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Goals to Gold!

Students will be able to identify realistic personal goals using the Leader in Me framework and outline actionable steps to achieve them, demonstrating self-management skills.

Setting clear and attainable goals is a vital life skill. This lesson empowers students to take ownership of their aspirations, manage their time effectively, and develop a roadmap for success, both in and out of school, using principles like 'Beginning with the End in Mind' and 'Putting First Things First.'

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, practical examples, and guided personal goal-setting using Leader in Me principles.

Materials

Goals to Gold! Slide Deck, My Wildly Important Goal (WIG) Map Worksheet, and Goal Setting: My Action Plan Journal

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Review the Goals to Gold! Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
    * Print copies of the My Wildly Important Goal (WIG) Map Worksheet for each student.
    * (Optional) Prepare to share a personal example of a goal you set and achieved, or one you are currently working towards, to inspire students.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what 'goal setting' means to them. (2 minutes)
    * Use Slide 2 to introduce the concept of 'Goals to Gold!' and the importance of setting realistic goals. (2 minutes)
    * Pose the question: 'Why is it important to set goals for your future?' Allow for a few student responses. (1 minute)

Step 2

Setting Your Wildly Important Goal (WIG)

10 minutes

  • Use Slides 3-7 to explain the Leader in Me goal-setting framework: Wildly Important Goal (WIG), Action Plan, Lead Measures, and Accountability. (7 minutes)
    * Provide an example of a vague goal and then transform it into a WIG with an action plan and lead measure with student input. (3 minutes)

Step 3

My WIG Map Activity

10 minutes

  • Distribute the My Wildly Important Goal (WIG) Map Worksheet. (1 minute)
    * Explain that students will use the Leader in Me framework to set one personal, realistic goal they want to achieve in the near future (e.g., within the next month or quarter). (2 minutes)
    * Guide students through filling out their worksheets, encouraging them to think about their WIG, action steps, lead measures, and accountability. Circulate to provide support and answer questions. (7 minutes)

Step 4

Wrap-up & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Have a few students volunteer to share one aspect of their WIG or action plan (not necessarily the goal itself). (3 minutes)
    * Conclude by emphasizing that setting goals is a journey and that it's okay to adjust plans along the way. Remind them that the Goal Setting: My Action Plan Journal is a great tool to continue this work. (2 minutes)
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Slide Deck

Goals to Gold!

Turning Dreams into Reality!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of goal setting! Ask them to think about what a 'goal' means to them.

Why Set Goals?

• What do you want to achieve?
• Why is it important to plan for your future?
• Goals help us focus and make progress!

Engage students by asking: 'Why is setting goals important for your future?' Explain that this lesson will help them make their dreams happen.

Your Wildly Important Goal (WIG)

• What's ONE big goal that would make a HUGE difference in your life?
• This is your WIG!

Introduce the idea of a Wildly Important Goal (WIG). Emphasize choosing ONE big goal that truly matters to them.

WIGs: Beginning with the End in Mind

• Clearly define what success looks like.
• Make it meaningful and inspiring to YOU.
• Focus your energy on this one, vital goal.

Explain what makes a WIG powerful – it's specific, meaningful, and has a clear end state. Connect to 'Begin with the End in Mind.'

Your Action Plan: First Things First

• What are the specific steps you need to take?
• Break your WIG down into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Prioritize: What do you do first, second, and so on?

Discuss breaking down the WIG into actionable steps. Emphasize that these are the 'first things' they need to do.

Lead Measures: Staying Proactive

• What regular action can you take that will lead to your goal?
• This is something you control directly.
• Example: If your WIG is to improve your grades, a lead measure could be 'I will study 30 minutes every day.'

Introduce the concept of a 'Lead Measure.' Explain it's a proactive action they can take consistently to drive their WIG.

Accountability: Tracking Your Progress

• How will you keep track of your progress on your WIG and lead measures?
• Who can help encourage you and hold you accountable?
• Regularly review your plan!

Explain the importance of accountability. How will they track their progress and who can support them?

Your Turn: My WIG Worksheet!

• Use the My Goal Map Worksheet to set your Wildly Important Goal.
• Outline your action plan, lead measure, and accountability.
• Think big, but start with clear, small steps!

Introduce the worksheet. Explain that students will apply these Leader in Me principles to set a personal goal. Circulate and assist as they work.

Reflect and Conquer!

• What was one thing you learned about goal setting today?
• How can setting WIGs help you in school and life?
• Keep using the Goal Setting: My Action Plan Journal to track your progress!

Facilitate a brief share-out. Encourage students to reflect on the process and how they can use these skills moving forward. Mention the journal as a continued resource.

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Worksheet

My Wildly Important Goal (WIG) Map: Turning Dreams into Reality!

Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________

My Wildly Important Goal (WIG):

(What is the ONE big goal that would make the most significant difference for you in the near future? Be specific!)











Why is this WIG important to me? (Beginning with the End in Mind)

(Why does this goal truly matter to you? What will be different when you achieve it?)











My Action Plan: (Putting First Things First)

(List 3-5 specific, concrete steps you will take to achieve your WIG. These are the "first things" you need to do.)
















My Lead Measure: (Staying Proactive)

(What is one proactive, regular action you can take each week that you control directly and that will lead to your WIG?)











My Accountability Plan: (Tracking My Progress)

(How will you regularly check your progress on your WIG and lead measure? Who can help encourage you and hold you accountable?)











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Journal

Goal Setting: My Action Plan Journal

Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________

My Wildly Important Goal (WIG) from the Goal Map:

(Write your main Wildly Important Goal (WIG) here, the one you developed on your worksheet.)











Weekly Reflection Check-ins

Week 1 Check-in

  • What steps did I take this week towards my WIG?






  • What challenges did I face, and how did I try to overcome them?






  • What went well, and what did I learn?






  • Do I need to adjust my plan or WIG? If so, how?






Week 2 Check-in

  • What steps did I take this week towards my WIG?






  • What challenges did I face, and how did I try to overcome them?






  • What went well, and what did I learn?






  • Do I need to adjust my plan or WIG? If so, how?






Week 3 Check-in

  • What steps did I take this week towards my WIG?






  • What challenges did I face, and how did I try to overcome them?






  • What went well, and what did I learn?






  • Do I need to adjust my plan or WIG? If so, how?






Final Reflection (After Goal Deadline)

  • Did I achieve my WIG? Why or why not?











  • What did I learn about myself and goal setting through this process?











  • What advice would I give someone else trying to set and achieve a goal?











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