Goal Getter Challenge: My Impulse & My Plan

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Part 1: Recognize Your Impulse

Think about a common impulse you experience. It could be something small, like reaching for your phone during homework, or something larger, like blurting out an answer without raising your hand.

1. What is the impulse you want to work on? (Describe it in detail.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What usually triggers this impulse? (What happens right before you feel the urge?)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are the potential negative consequences of acting on this impulse without thinking?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Hit the Pause Button & Plan Your Response

Now, let's think about how you can use the "Pause Button" strategy to manage this impulse. Instead of reacting immediately, what will you do?

4. How will you "Stop" when you feel this impulse? (What will be your immediate action?)

   • Example: Take a deep breath, count to five, put my hands in my lap.
     
     
     
     
     
     

5. How will you "Think" about the consequences or alternatives? (What questions will you ask yourself?)

   • Example: What will happen if I do this? Is there a better way? What is my goal right now?
     
     
     
     
     
     

6. What thoughtful "Choice" will you make instead of acting on the impulse? (What is your new, desired action?)

   • Example: If I want to blurt out, I will write my idea down first.
     
     
     
     
     
     

Part 3: Set a SMART Goal to Support Your Growth

Now, create a SMART goal related to managing this impulse or achieving a positive outcome by using your "Pause Button" skills. Remember, SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

7. Write your SMART goal here:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   • Specific: What exactly will you do or improve?
   • Measurable: How will you track your progress?
   • Achievable: Is this goal realistic given your resources?
   • Relevant: Why is this goal important to you?
   • Time-bound: When will you achieve this goal by?

Part 4: Reflect

8. How do you think practicing the "Pause Button" and setting SMART goals will help you in your daily life, both in school and outside of school?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Action Plan: Taking Control

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

This worksheet is your personal guide to putting impulse control and goal setting into practice. Use what you learned in class to create a clear plan.

Step 1: My Personal Impulse to Manage

1. Identify one specific impulse you want to manage better. (Be honest with yourself!)
   
   
   
   
   

   Example: Spending too much time on social media when I should be doing homework.

Step 2: My "Pause Button" Strategy

2. What is your immediate "Stop" action when you feel this impulse?
   
   
   
   
   

   Example: Close the social media app, put my phone away.

3. What will you "Think" about during your pause? (Consider consequences, alternative actions, and your goals.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Example: If I keep scrolling, I won't finish my homework and my grades might suffer. I want to get good grades.

4. What thoughtful "Choice" will you make instead of giving in to the impulse?
   
   
   
   
   

   Example: Open my textbook and start on the first problem.

Step 3: My SMART Goal for Self-Management

Now, turn your intention into a SMART goal.

5. My SMART Goal: (Remember: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Example: I will reduce my social media use during homework time to zero for the next two weeks by placing my phone in another room, and I will track my homework completion to ensure I finish all assignments on time.

Step 4: Break Down My Goal into Actionable Steps

What smaller steps can you take to achieve your SMART goal?

Step 5: Anticipate Challenges & Solutions

Think about what might make it hard to stick to your plan, and how you will overcome those challenges.

6. Potential Challenge: (What might go wrong?)
   
   
   

   Example: I might forget to put my phone away.

7. Solution: (How will you handle it?)
   
   
   

   Example: Set a reminder on my computer to put my phone away, or ask a family member to remind me.

Step 6: Reflection

8. How do you think achieving this goal will positively impact your life?