WORKING OUT YOUR WEEKLY TARGETS
IMPORTANT
DO NOT CONSULT OR DISCUSS YOUR CHOSEN GOALS WITH YOUR BUDDY UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE BROKEN DOWN EACH GOAL INTO THE REQUIRED TARGETS AND READ THROUGH THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER SECTION ON THE ROLE OF YOUR BUDDY
Now that you have selected your chosen goals for the Phoenix Plan's Program, written them up on the Goals Summary Sheet and signed your commitment, it is time to break down each goal into weekly targets. This entails looking closely at each goal, working out a range of weekly steps, probably graduating in difficulty of achievement, until each goal is fully achieved in the eighth week. It is important that the starting Targets for Week One , for each goal, are modest so that you are assured of success from the beginning. This success will act as a momentum for further motivation as you tackle the somewhat more difficult target tasks in the remaining weeks of the Program.
It is necessary to set down eight separate targets for each goal. As long as the targets to the goal become subsequently more challenging from Week One through to Week Eight, achieving the full goal in Week Eight, this is entirely sufficient. Once you have broken down each goal into the required targets, you need to record the targets on the Weekly Target Sheet provided. Use one Target Sheet for each goal you selected. A copy of the Weekly Target Sheet is set out on Page 70.
As mentioned earlier, when one of your selected goals is to refrain from or limit a present activity or personal habit, it is important to set out your weekly targets in positive language. This is not just a matter of style. By stating a goal positively it helps you to think positively about the life change that you are seeking to implement. For instance, in the example given previously where you are hoping to stop smoking by the end of the eight week program, you might state your targets in the format below:
Weeks 1- 2: I shall enjoy one smoke free day this week
Weeks 3- 4: I shall enjoy three smoke free days this week
Weeks 5- 6: I shall enjoy four smoke free days this week
Week 7: I shall enjoy five smoke free days this week
Week 8: I shall have a totally free smoke free week
To assist you in the task of establishing targets for your selected goals, a sample Weekly Target Sheet is set out in the Appendices in Part Four of the book. This will demonstrate how a chosen goal can be broken down into weekly targets. It is suggested you study this and then proceed in the task of breaking down your own goals into appropriate targets.
You may be thinking This Phoenix Self-Help Plan requires a lot of filling in of forms and paperwork! Is this really necessary?
I believe it does and it is necessary if you are to get the greatest benefit from the Plan. However, if the format of recording provided does not appeal and you are able and willing to work out your own system of documentation, go right ahead. What is important is that you should have some paperwork system that allows you to know exactly what you have committed yourself to in your Personal Plan and permits effective monitoring of your efforts and progress.
DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO GIVE UP BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF PAPERWORK AND DOCUMENTATION BEING ASKED OF YOU AT THIS STAGE. THIS IS NECESSARY SO THAT YOUR PERSONAL PLAN IS SET OUT CLEARLY AND PRECISELY
and so that
THE TARGETS YOU SELECT ARE EASILY MEASURABLE AT ALL STAGES THROUGHOUT THE EIGHT WEEKS OF THE PROGRAM.
IN ADDITION, BY SETTING UP YOUR PERSONAL PLAN IN THIS WAY IT BECOMES EASIER FOR YOUR BUDDY TO ASSIST IN MONITORING YOUR PROGRESS AND TO OFFER YOU THE NECESSARY SUPPORT AND FEEDBACK.
The Weekly Target Sheet is located on the next page.