Goal Setting Worksheet

Use the SMART criteria below to set a goal related to your Civil War reenactment tasks. Think about preparing your uniform, mastering a skill, or organizing gear.

1. Specific

What exactly do you want to accomplish? Be clear and detailed.

2. Measurable

How will you know when you’ve completed your goal? What will you track or count?

3. Achievable

Why is this goal realistic for you right now? What skills or resources do you have?

4. Relevant

How does this goal connect to your interest in Civil War reenactments? Why does it matter to you?

5. Time-Bound

What is your deadline for completing this goal? Include a specific date or time frame.

Write Your Full SMART Goal

Combine all parts into one statement. For example: “I will clean and organize my reenactment uniform and accessories by June 1 so I’m fully prepared for the summer event.”

My SMART goal: ___________________________________________________________________________

Task Importance Chart

Use this chart to explore why completing tasks matters. Discuss each reason, read the explanation, and write your own Civil War reenactment example.

Instructions:

1. Read each reason in the first column.
2. Discuss with the teacher or write down what the explanation means to you.
3. In the third column, describe a specific example from your Civil War reenactment experience where finishing a task helped you or your team.

Motivation Reflection Prompts

Use these questions to reflect on what drives you to finish tasks and how you can apply that to your SMART goal.

1. How do you feel when you finish a task related to your Civil War reenactments? (e.g., pride, relief, excitement)
   
   
   
   
   

2. Think of a time you successfully completed a reenactment-related task. What kept you motivated when it got tough?
   
   
   
   
   

3. List two personal benefits you notice after completing your tasks. (Examples: recognition from fellow reenactors, improved skills, feeling fully prepared)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. If you had to work on a task that seemed boring or difficult, what strategies could you use to stay motivated? Brainstorm at least two ideas.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Pick one motivator or strategy from above and explain how you will use it to help you reach your SMART goal.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Instructions for discussion:

• Encourage the student to talk through each prompt first, then write down their thoughts.
• Use real reenactment scenarios to make reflections concrete and meaningful.

Mission Accomplished! Session 1 Script

Total Time: 30 minutes

1. Introduction (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Hi there! I’m really glad you’re here today. We’re working on understanding why finishing tasks matters and setting a goal you can actually reach. How does that sound to you?"

Teacher: "First, tell me—what’s one of your favorite tasks to complete when you’re preparing for a Civil War reenactment?"

• (If the student hesitates: "No worries—maybe think about cleaning your uniform, packing your gear, or practicing a drill. Which one comes to mind?")
• (After response) "That’s a great example! Thanks for sharing. Today we’ll use things like that to help us stay focused and motivated."

2. Why Task Completion Matters (7 minutes)

Teacher: "I want to show you a quick chart. It lists three big reasons why finishing tasks is important. Take a look."

🔗 Task Importance Chart

Teacher: "The first reason is Responsibility—that means owning your duties so people know they can count on you. Think about a time in a reenactment when finishing something on time showed responsibility. What happened?"

• (Listen and affirm: "Exactly—that’s a perfect example of responsibility.")

Teacher: "Next is Confidence. Completing a task makes you feel proud and builds your skills. Can you share a moment when finishing a reenactment task made you feel more confident?"

• (Follow‐up if needed: "Did you notice you did it faster or better the next time?")

Teacher: "Finally, Achievement—this is about reaching a goal and seeing progress. Tell me about a task you completed that made you feel like you really accomplished something."

• (Encourage detail: "How did it feel when you stepped back and saw the result?")

Teacher: "Great job! You’ve just connected real reenactment experiences to why task completion matters in life and in your hobby."

3. Goal Setting with SMART Criteria (12 minutes)

Teacher: "Now let’s set a goal for something you want to complete. We’ll use SMART criteria to make it clear and doable. Here’s the worksheet."

🔗 Goal Setting Worksheet

Teacher: "First, Specific: What exact task do you want to finish? For example, ‘Polish eight buttons on my jacket,’ or ‘Sew lace onto my cap.’ What’s your specific task?"

• (Write it down.)

Teacher: "Good. Now Measurable: How will you know you’re done? Will you count buttons, track minutes of practice, or check off a list?"

• (Prompt: "Maybe you’ll set a checklist of each button polished or practice your drill routine three times.")

Teacher: "Next is Achievable: Why is this goal realistic for you right now? What tools or skills do you already have?"

• (Help student list resources: cleaning cloth, time after school, etc.)

Teacher: "The Relevant part: How does this task connect to your reenactment interests? Why does it matter?"

• (Tie it back: ‘Having a spotless uniform helps you look authentic and feel proud on event day.’)

Teacher: "Finally, Time-bound: When exactly will you finish this? Pick a date or time frame."

• (E.g., ‘By next Saturday evening,’ or ‘Before our next weekend event.’)

Teacher: "Awesome. Now combine all five parts into one sentence at the bottom: your full SMART goal."

• (Give the student a minute to write.)

Teacher: "Can you read your SMART goal out loud for me?"

4. Motivation and Benefits Reflection (5 minutes)

Teacher: "You’ve got a great SMART goal—now let’s think about what will keep you pushing to the finish. Here are some reflection prompts."

🔗 Motivation Reflection Prompts

Teacher: "We’ll go through each question. Talk through your ideas first, then jot down a quick note."

1. Teacher: "How do you feel when you finish a reenactment task?"
2. Teacher: "Think of a time you stuck with a tough task. What kept you going when it got hard?"
3. Teacher: "List two benefits you notice after completing tasks—like praise from fellow reenactors or feeling prepared."
4. Teacher: "If a task feels boring or tough, what are two strategies you could use to stay motivated?"
5. Teacher: "Pick one motivator or strategy and explain how you’ll use it to reach your SMART goal."

• (Offer examples if needed: “I might play my favorite song while polishing buttons.”)

5. Wrap-Up and Preview (3 minutes)

Teacher: "Today we covered why finishing tasks matters, set your SMART goal, and identified motivators. You did excellent work!"

Teacher: "Before our next session, take a quick look at your worksheet and reflection notes. Next time, we’ll explore strategies for following through and tracking your progress so you can hit that goal. Sound good?"

Teacher: "Thanks for your effort today. I’m excited to see you make progress!"

End of Session 1

Progress Tracking Chart

Use this chart to break your SMART goal into smaller, manageable steps. Set target dates, mark completion, and reflect on your progress. Keep this chart visible and update it each time you finish a step.

Instructions:

1. List each key step that will lead you to your SMART goal.
2. Assign a realistic target date for completing each step.
3. When you finish a step, mark the checkbox and write the actual date.
4. Use the Notes column to jot down what worked well or any challenges you overcame.

Feel free to add more rows or create a fresh chart when you plan your next goal!

Follow-Through Strategy Cards

Use these cards to choose concrete methods that will help you stay on track with your SMART goal. Read each strategy and its description. Then pick two cards that appeal to you and discuss how you’ll use them with your reenactment task.

Time-Blocking
Allocate specific blocks of time in your day or week to work on your task. Treat these blocks like appointments you can’t miss.

Self-Rewards
Set small rewards for yourself when you complete each step (e.g., a favorite snack, 5 minutes of gaming, or a short break).

Peer Check-Ins
Arrange a quick daily or weekly check-in with a friend, family member, or reenactment buddy who asks about your progress and encourages you.

Visual Reminders
Place sticky notes, posters, or alarms where you’ll see them often—on your uniform case, desk, or phone—to remind you of your next step.

Micro-Tasks & Breaks
Break larger steps into tiny tasks (e.g., polish two buttons at a time) and build in 2–3 minute breaks to stay fresh and focused.

Accountability Partner
Pair up with someone (a parent, friend, or fellow reenactor) who holds you accountable by reviewing your progress and cheering you on.

Set Timers/Alarms
Use a timer or phone alarm (Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes work, 5 minutes rest) to keep momentum and track work sessions.

Habit Stacking
Link your reenactment task to an existing habit—like polishing buttons right after homework or reviewing your checklist while eating breakfast.

Positive Self-Talk
Use encouraging statements ("I can do this," "One step at a time") whenever you feel stuck to build confidence and reduce stress.

Mindful Visualization
Spend 1–2 minutes imagining how good it will feel to finish your uniform or master the drill. Use this mental picture to boost motivation before you start.

Instructions

1. Read through each strategy card above.

2. Circle or highlight two strategies you want to try.

3. Write below how you’ll apply each chosen strategy to your SMART goal for the Civil War reenactment.

4. Strategy 1: _________________________________________________
   How I’ll use it:
   
   
   
   
   

5. Strategy 2: _________________________________________________
   How I’ll use it:
   
   
   
   
   

Session 2 Reflection Prompts

Use these questions to reflect on your progress so far and plan for stronger follow-through as you complete your SMART goal.

1. Which step in your Progress Tracking Chart did you find most challenging, and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How did the two strategies you chose from the Follow-Through Strategy Cards help you stay on track? Give specific examples of when you used each strategy.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. If you encountered any roadblocks or distractions, how did you address them? If you haven’t faced one yet, describe what you might do when a challenge appears.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What have you learned about your own work habits, motivation, or preferred study environment during this process?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Looking ahead, what adjustments will you make to your chosen strategies or to your tracking system to improve your follow-through and make sure you finish your goal?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Instructions:

• Refer to your Progress Tracking Chart and Follow-Through Strategy Cards as you reflect.
• Write honest, detailed responses to at least two prompts.
• Use concrete examples to plan for future success.