specific

Making Goals Specific & Measurable

Use quantitative terms- how often? how much? how many?
Use precise action words, avoid vague words
Define- describe appearance of the desired end result
I will…HOW? BY DOING WHAT? WHEN? how often? Many? much?

Poorly Written Goals	Well Written Goals
Stated in terms of process or activities	Stated in terms of end results
Aren't fully achievable, lack target date	Achievable in a definite time
Ambiguous as to what is expected	Definite as to what is expected
Theoretical or idealistic	Practical & feasible
Too brief & indefinite or too long & complex	Precisely stated in terms of quantities
Include two or more important goals or statements	Limited to one goal or statement

--from "Strategy for Living" by Edward R. Daayton & Ted W. Engstrom

Examples

I want to lose weight	I will lose 10 lbs in 3 months by exercising 30 minutes every evening & eating healthy foods =1000 calories per day.
I want to improve relationship with my child	I will read 30 minutes each evening with my child
I want to manage time better	I will plan prioritized to-do list daily each morning

Develop a working definition for subjective behavior--describe what exemplary parents do. Or describe what ineffective parents do & turn it around. Some research may be required. A rating scale from 1-10 may be helpful.