[LiteraryLark]

I had my first evaluation at my new job (fast food), and I will continue to be evaluated each week over the next 7 weeks.

I also have a few personal goals as well that I would like help setting as well.

First, let's start with the job.

The biggest thing I was critiqued on was that I need to improve on being a team player. My manager told me she understands I am still learning but it is something to improve on. What she expects of me is that if I am front counter and it's slow, help with drive thru. She expects me to stay busy no matter what and that I am good on cleaning the lobby. She also wants me to learn how to work the fryer, bagging items correctly, and to learn what the comes with each sandwich. She also told me that to be a team player I need to ask what needs to be done before I clock out, not just ask to leave

GOAL #1: Stay busy, help out

Another goal I have is to be more physically active and eat healthier. Lately, I eat one meal a day and it's usually fast food or junk food. Exercise will be hard because I work a lot, but I need to be able to squeeze in time to get some fresh air.

Goal #2: Eat healthy, get more exercise

My last goal is to save up enough money for beauty college ($23k) and a new car ($17k). I work full time but I am a crazy shopper so this is difficult for me.

Goal #3: Save up $45k

Any ideas on how to meet these goals?

[lizardlady]

Dang, I used to know the characteristics of a "good goal", but can't remember them.

Let me see

- They should be measurable. Meaning instead of "I want to lose weight." "I will lose 5 pounds in the next month."

Which leads to - they should be time limited. In the example above both the amount of weight and how long are stated.

- They should be shared with others. You can do that here. The point in telling others is so you have accountability and someone to cheer you on.

- They should be shared when completed. It doesn't have to be a big celebration. I'll treat myself to a favorite candy bar when I accomplish something I set out to do.

I would also break the goals you listed down into some short term goals that will lead to the long term goals. For instance - "I will save XX dollars per paycheck for the next XX months." instead of "Save $45k" Somebody told me I had to save $45k I'd be overwhelmed from the getgo. If I agree to save a manageable amount per paycheck I'm not overwhelmed. Personal example, for a variety of reasons I was not able to start saving for retirement until late in life. When I was told how much I needed to have set aside when I retired I about had a stroke. I didn't think it was doable. What I've done is arrange to have a set amount deducted from my paycheck that goes straight to my retirement account. It's manageable now.

In terms of your work goal, what if you set the goal to 1) ask if there is anything that needs to be done before going home every day for the next week and 2) make a point to ask if there is something you could do to help out any time you are not busy at the front counter every day for the next week. That's actuall two short term goals toward the long term goal.

Be more active and eat healthy really ought to be two goals. How do you think you could make them measurable and time limited?

make yourself a huge check list like a huge posterboard per month. and under each day you cross out with a line those things you listed to do, a check list. And that is easy! don't procrastinate, get into the habit to make the extra time to do them, you will feel better about yourself. it isnt all about doing it is about structure, once you have that as a regular routine then you can add into it the extras and it will be easier to do. i hope this helps, tc

[Row Jimmy]

-Start small
-Commitment
-Focus
-Give yourself a break if you miss something or can't do it
-Re-commit
-More focus
-Stick with it
-Go easy on yourself
-Allow the element of time to do what it needs to do

how realistic is 45K?

I agree that goals need to be 1. measurable 2. achievable 3. meaningful 4. incremental 5. time realistic

How will you recognize success?
Is it realistic?
How will attaining them positively affect you?
What steps and plan do you have to reach that goal?
What is your time schedule

When do you wish to attain the savings of 45K? Taking into account your current budget, what then is the minimum amount you need to save each month and what is the minimum amount you need to make each month to achieve that goal. How important and necessary is it to have that $17K car?

I suggest talking to someone at your bank. They can help you set a realistic and achievable goal for you.

[Inspirational Girl]

break down your goals into smaller fragments that you can easily achieve. Then the goal looks smaller or easier to achieve.

Oh my gosh, I completely forgot to tell you great going on the job!