Achieving Work & Life Goals

 

Course Description

You will study the process of goal achievement from goal definition through development of a vision, review of resources and obstacles, strategic ordering of tasks and steps, effective communication and problem solving, and development of an action plan. You will consider theories of goal setting, planning, communication, and negotiation, and engage in practical exercises that will require the application of theory. You will produce a completed action plan for a defined career (FX) or personal (H3X) goal.

Learning Outcomes, Competencies, and/or Objectives

Competence

Competence Statement and Criteria

FX

Can assess individual professional development needs within an organizational context and can design a plan for career progress.

H3X

Can use problem solving and communication skills to develop effective plans for achieving goals.

L7

Can learn collaboratively and examine the skills, knowledge, and values that contribute to such learning.


After completing this course, you will be able to:

If you opt to address an L7 competence, you will be able to:


In Module 1, you will start with assessing your needs and establishing the goals you want to achieve. Each of you will pick one goal and work with it throughout the ten weeks of this course.

In Module 2, you will make this goal concrete and clear by defining your vision for your goal and examining goal types and your perspectives about the why of your goal.

In Module 3, you will look at external resources and obstacles and figure out how to get around each obstacle, whether internal/external, and how to break your goal into sub-goals to further define its main components.

In Module 4, you will learn how to design an effective plan and develop a draft of your plan to achieve your goal.

In Module 5, you will examine how communication and problem solving impact the planning process, and how to assess an effective plan.

In Modules 6, 7, and 8, you will cover procrastination, motivation, problem solving, peer feedback and communication techniques and begin to act in support of your goal.

In Modules 9 and 10, you will study persistence, perseverance and proactivity, take stock of where you are, reassess and revise your plans, and reflect on what you have learned about goal achievement.

Learning Strategies & Resources

Required Text:

Halvorson, H.G. (2011). Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals. New York: Plume; Reprint edition

The course website contains all the remaining materials needed for this course:

Module 1
For L7 Competence only:
OPTIONAL:

Module 2
For H3X Competence only:
For FX Competence only:
For L7 Competence only:

Module 3
For FX Competence only:
For H3X Competence only:
For L7 Competence only:

Module 4
For L7 Competence only:

Module 5

Module 6

Module 7

Module 8

Module 9

Module 10

Workbooks

This interactive learning tool is accessed on the course site. Each of the assignments that you will need to submit each week throughout the course is found in the workbook. The first time you access the workbook, you save it as a file on your computer. When you return to complete future assignments, you simply add to it. Please make a back up copy of this Workbook on a regular basis.

At various points during the course and at the conclusion, you will submit the workbook file to your instructor in the Assignments area of the course web site. If you have any questions about how to complete your assignments, please contact your instructor.

Learning Deliverables

The following deliverables must be completed and submitted no later than 6 PM Central Time on the assigned due dates listed in D2L. NOTE: Discussions and Workbook assignments may have different due dates; please check D2L for specifics.

Module

Readings

Deliverable/Due Date

1. Defining Your Goal

  • Module 1 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Introduction 
  • pp. xi-xxiii, Chapter 1, Do you Know Where You Are Going? pp. 3-30
  • Creating S.M.A.R.T. Goals 
  • Self-Determination Theory: An Approach to Human Motivation & Personality 
  • Transpersonal Pioneers: Abraham Maslow 
  • Image of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs 

 For L7 Competence only:

  • (L7 Only) Group Workbook
  • Working in Virtual Study Groups.PDF
  • 1.1 Workbook
  • 1.2 Introductions Discussion
  • 1.3 Goals & Theories Discussion
  • 1.4 (L7) Introductions Discussion

Due: End of Module 1- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

2. The Vision and Perspectives on your Goal

  • Module 2 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 2 Do You Know Where Your Goals Come From? pp. 31-51
  • Planning Template Sample.PDF
  • Tucker-Ladd, Clayton. Chapter 14. pp. 1339-1351, 1352-1361. (Tucker-Ladd Chapter 14.pdf)
  • Locke, E.A. & Latham, G.P. (2006). New Directions in Goal-Setting Theory. Association for Psychological Science, 15(5). 265-268.
  • Overcoming Career Limitations.pdf Bienkowski, S. (2009)
  • Success-interview with Marcus Buckingham
  • McGraw, Philip C. Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters, Pages 211-219, 224-225, 233, 255-259, 262-263

For H3X Competence only:

  • Problem Solving CliffsNotes.com. Problem Solving. 22 Dec 2012

For FX Competence only:

  • Creating your Professional Development Plan: 3 Surprising Truths 
  • If You Don't Design Your Career, Someone Else Will 

For L7 Competence only:

  • Boda, K. and Hinkle, R. (2008). Five Tips for Better Virtual Meetings. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation: Boston
  • 2.1 Workbook
  • 2.2 Perspectives on Goal Achievement Discussion
  • 2.3 (L7) Group Goal and Vision Workbook and Discussion

Due: End of Module 2- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

3. Defining Sub-Goals, Resources and Obstacles

  • Module 3 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 3, Goals that Keep You Moving Forward pp. 55-76 and Chapter 4, Goals for Optimists and Goals for Pessimists pp.77-104
  • Tucker-Ladd, Clayton. Chapter 13pp. 1304-1310. (Tucker-Ladd Chapter 13.pdf) 
  • CPS Techniques. This is a compilation of problem solving techniques with multiple sites. 
  • Break Large Goals into Sub-Goals.PDF

 For FX Competence only:

  • How to Create a Career Development
  • Creating a Professional Development Plan  
  • Nova Scotia Government Career Development Guide 2006-07

For H3X Competence only:

  • Problem-Solving Strategies and Obstacles 
  • Problem-Solving and Psychological Traps*

For L7 Competence only:

  • Creative Problem Solving. PDF
  • 3.1 Workbook
  • 3.2 Goals and Resources/Obstacles Discussion
  • 3.3 (L7) Group Discussion and Workbook

Due: End of Module 3- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

4. Creating an Initial Plan and Timeline

 

  • Module 4 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 5 Goals Can Make You Happy, pp. 105-123, Chapter 6 The Right Goal for You, pp. 125-139 and Chapter 9 Make A Simple Plan, pp. 171-181
  • CPS Techniques. This is a compilation of problem solving techniques with multiple sites.

For L7 Competence only:

  • L7-Reflective Problem Solving
  • 4.1 Workbook, including initial plan
  • 4.2 Learning from Planning Discussion
  • 4.3 (L7) Group Discussion and Workbook

Due: End of Module 4- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

5. Communi-cating, Problem Solving & Peer Review of Plans

  • Module 5 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 13-Give the Right Feedback pp. 223-238
  • Problem Solving and Psychological Traps* Jennifer Priestley and William Hakes
    Problem Solving and Decision Making: Consideration of Individual Differences Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
    William G. Huitt
  • Over Fifty Problem Solving Strategies Explained by John Malouff, Ph.D., J.D.
  • Tucker-Ladd, Clayton. Conflict Resolution or Negotiation, Pages 1292-1303
  • Tucker-Ladd, Clayton. Assertiveness Training, Pages 1249-1256
  • 5.1 Workbook
  • 5.2 Peer Plan Review Discussion
  • 5.3 Communication, Problem-Solving and Negotiation Techniques Discussion
  • 5.4 (L7) Group Discussion and Workbook

Due: End of Module 5- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

6. Taking the First Step – Motivation/
Procrastination

  • Module 6 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 8.Conquer the Goal Saboteurs, pp. 159-169
  • Understanding Procrastination 
  • Video: Daniel Pink on Motivation 
  • The Epic Journey: How to Make Progress 
  • Trouble sustaining your Motivation? Try this Strategy 
  • 6.1 Workbook
  • 6.2 Procrastination/Motivation Discussion
  • 6.3 Taking the First Step Reflections Discussion
  • 6.4 (L7) Group Discussion –First Step reflection- and Workbook

Due: End of Module 6- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

7. Taking the Second Step - Adding Additional Detail to your Plan

  • Module 7 Introduction
  • Halvorson Chapter 10 - Build the Self-Control Muscle, pp. 183-196
  • Amabile & Kramer (May, 2011). The Power Of Small Wins Want to truly engage your workers? Help them see their own progress. Harvard Business Review reprint r1105C
  • 7.1 Workbook
  • 7.2 Elements of a Well Defined Plan Discussion
  • 7.3 Second Step Discussion (L7) and workbook

Due: End of Module 7- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

8. Reflecting on Goal Achievement and Competences

  • Module 8 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Goal Troubleshooter, pp. 247-249
  • Brother Steindl-Rast O.S.B. - Work & Leisure 

 

  • 8.1 Workbook
  • 8.2 Competence Discussion (FX)
    Competence  Discussion (H3X) Competence Discussion (L7)
  • 8.3 (L7) Group Plan Review

Due: End of Module 8- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

9. Perseverance, Persistence, Proactivity

  • Module 9 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Chapter 11 Keep it Real, pp. 197-208, Chapter 12 Know When to Hang On, pp. 209-221
  • Persistence vs. Perseverance 
  • Parker, Sharon K. The Importance of Proactivity 
  • Pavlina, Steve Be Proactive
  • Covey, Steven R. 1989. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Restoring the Character Ethic.
  • McGraw, Philip C. Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters, Pages 273-278
  • 9.1 Competence Paper (H3X)
    Competence Paper (FX)
    Competence Paper (L7)
  • 9.2 Perseverance, Persistence, Proactivity Discussion
  • 9.3 (L7) Plan Review Group Discussion and Workbook

Due: End of Module 9- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable

10. Final Plan/Chart, Personal reflections on the course

  • Module 10 Introduction
  • Halvorson, Bonus: Nine Things Successful People Do Differently, pp. 241-245
  • McGraw, Philip C. Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters, Pages 175-176

 

  • 10.1 Workbook
  • 10.2 Parting Thoughts Discussion
  • 10.3 (L7) Final Revisions to Plan Workbook and Discussion

Due: End of Module 10- see D2L for specific due dates for each deliverable


Assessment of Student Learning

FX: Can assess individual professional development needs within an organizational context and can design a plan for career progress.

In addition to successful completion of the assignments required of all students, you will be graded on whether your competence-specific paper answers the question posed and provides sufficient examples and discussion to convey your ideas clearly.

H3X: Can use problem solving and communication skills to develop effective plans for achieving goals.

In addition to successful completion of the assignments required of all students, you will be graded on whether your competence-specific paper answers the question posed and provides sufficient examples and discussion to convey your ideas clearly.

L7: Can learn collaboratively and examine the skills, knowledge, and values that contribute to such learning.

In addition to successful completion of the assignments required of all students, you will be graded on the quality of your group action plan, the quality of your contributions to the group, and your individual reflections on the group process.

Your contributions to the required discussions will be graded on whether you:

 

Module

Assignment

Possible Points Per Assignment

Possible Points
Per Module

1

Workbook
Discussion (introduction)
Discussion (Goals & Theories)

2
2
2

6

2

Workbook
Discussion (Perspectives on Goal Achievement)

4
2

6

3

Workbook
Discussion (Resources & Obstacles)

4
2

6

4

Workbook (Initial Plan)
Discussion (Learning from Planning)

8
2

10

5

Workbook Feedback on Classmates’ Plans (5 suggestions, 2 points each)
Discussion (Peer Plan Review)
Discussion (Communication & Negotiation Techniques)

10

2
2

14

6

Workbook
Discussion (Procrastination)
Discussion (First Step Reflections)

2
2
2

6

7

Workbook
Discussion (Well Defined Plan)

2
2

4

8

Workbook
Discussion (H3X Competence)
Discussion (L7 Competence)
Discussion (FX Competence)

2
2
2
2

4

9

H3X Competence Paper
FX Competence Paper
L7 Competence Reflection

20

20

9

Discussion (The Three P’s)

2

2

10

Discussion (Parting Thoughts)
Course Reflection
Final Plan

2
5
15

22

 

TOTAL

100

100

Per Competence:

FX
H3X
L7


Grading Criteria & Scale

A = 95 to 100

A- = 91 to 94

B+ = 88 to 90

B = 85 to 87

B- = 81 to 84

C+ = 77 to 80

C = 73 to 76

C- = 69 to 72

D+ = 65 to 68

D = 61 to 64

F = 60 or below

 


Course Schedule

Each Module is designed to last approximately one week; Modules 1 and 10 may have longer or shorter durations than Modules 2 through 9. See Learning Deliverables section for readings and deliverables.
Due dates for each Module will be listed in D2L.

Communication of Syllabus Changes

Changes to the syllabus, including due dates or other course changes will be communicated on the course home page, posted in the Course Information Discussion forum, and sent via e-mail to students through the D2L mail application.

Course Policies

The instructor should be notified if your life events do not allow you to participate in the course and the online discussions for more than one week. This is particularly important when there are group discussions or you are working as part of a team.

Late Work

Because of the short time frame and the complexity of the course (multiple discussion forums, assignments that build on each other, etc.), late work will significantly affect your ability to keep up with your ability to complete succeeding assignments. It will also place an unreasonable organizational burden on your instructor. Because of these problems, late work will be penalized 1 point for each day late.

The final date for submission of any outstanding assignments is the last day of Module 10. After this date (listed in D2L) no work will be accepted.

Exceptions to this policy will be made only for truly major problems (sudden serious illness, death in the family) that arise AFTER the start of the course/conditions for which you make arrangements with me prior to the start of class. If you know ahead of time that you will have or are likely to have interruptions (i.e. travel for your job, a vacation, a planned medical procedure, overtime), you will need to arrange your time in advance so as to keep up to date with your assignments. If this is not going to be possible, please contact the Instructor immediately to discuss your situation.

Time Commitment

This online course is paced study and requires a regular time commitment EACH week throughout the quarter. You are required to log in to your course at least four times a week so that you can participate in the ongoing course discussions.

If you find yourself getting behind, please contact the instructor immediately.

College and University Policies

This course includes and adheres to the college and university policies described in the links below:

Academic Integrity Policy (UGRAD)

Academic Integrity Policy (GRAD)

Incomplete Policy

Course Withdrawal Timelines and Grade/Fee Consequences

Accommodations Based on the Impact of a Disability

Protection of Human Research Participants

APA citation format (GRAD)

Additional Course Resources

University Center for Writing-based Learning

SNL Writing Guide

Dean of Students Office

Credits

This course was designed and produced by L. Royster, N. Trondsen and staff at SNL Online of the School for New Learning of DePaul University.

© School for New Learning, DePaul University. All Rights Reserved by SNL during contractual interval with the author.

​​​​​​​​​​​