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Skills Icon: Listening
Skills Icon: Speaking
Skills Icon: Problem Solving
Skills Icon: Creativity
Skills Icon: Adapting
Skills Icon: Planning
Skills Icon: Leadership
Skills Icon: Teamwork
Self-Management

Planning

Receiving, retaining and processing information
Transmitting information or ideas
Finding solutions to challenges
Using imagination and generating new ideas
Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
Step
7
:

Thinking ahead

I think about routes to achieve a goal

Core ideas

A

What it means to find routes to achieve a goal 

Finding routes to achieve a goal means identifying different ways to reach an objective. There is often more than one way to achieve something, and exploring different paths helps to find the most effective or suitable approach. The route you take depends on factors such as available resources, time, and personal strengths.

For example:

  • If your goal is to learn a new language, one route might be self-study using books and apps, while another could be joining a class or finding a language partner.
  • If you want to improve your health, one approach could be adjusting your diet, while another might focus on increasing physical activity.

By considering different routes, you can find the best approach that suits your situation and increases your chances of success.

B

Why it is important to think about different routes to a goal 

Taking time to consider different routes to a goal has several benefits:

  • Flexibility: If one approach does not work, having other options can keep you moving forward.
  • Better decision-making: Evaluating different paths allows you to choose the most efficient or enjoyable way to reach your goal.
  • Overcoming obstacles: Challenges can arise, and having alternative routes helps you adapt rather than give up.
  • Efficient use of resources: Some routes may require less time, effort, or cost, making it easier to stay committed.
  • Increased motivation: Knowing there are multiple ways to succeed can reduce pressure and make the process feel more achievable.

Thinking through different routes also helps to avoid frustration if the first attempt does not go as planned, keeping you on track towards your goal.

C

How to map out routes to achieve a goal 

Mapping out a route to a goal helps you stay organised and focused. Here are steps to create a clear plan:

  1. Define your goal clearly: Be specific about what you want to achieve and set a realistic timeline.
  2. Identify possible routes: List different ways you could reach your goal and consider their advantages and challenges.
  3. Break it into tasks: Divide the journey into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress easier.
  4. Consider potential obstacles: Think about what could go wrong and plan ways to handle difficulties.
  5. Choose the best route for you: Decide which approach fits your resources, strengths, and circumstances.

By mapping out a route, you create a structured approach that helps you stay focused, motivated, and prepared to overcome challenges on the way to achieving your goal. Remember, that you can draw in skill steps from Creativity and Problem Solving to help you generate and sort through ideas too.

Assessment

Reflective questions for individuals can include:

  • What does it mean to find different routes to achieve a goal? 
  • Why is it important to think about different routes to achieving a goal?
  • How can you map out different routes to achieve a goal?
  • When have you shown you can map out different routes to achieve a goal?

Observation cues for trainers can include:

  • Is the individual able to identify different routes to achieve a goal, and outline what they look like? 

Evidence can include individuals’ self-reflections, evidence of planning multiple potential routes to achieve a personal goal, and observations from others.

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