Setting goals is important. There have been many studies done about goal theory, and it’s no surprise that they show that goals work. The goals that work best are specific, have accountability, commitment, and are written down. These studies also show that without a goal, your chances of success are minimal at best.
Goal setting can help with new behaviors, help you focus and sustain momentum. A goal can keep you on track. If you can’t measure it you can’t manage it. If you can’t manage it you can’t improve it.
Goal setting does not have to be boring. on the contrary, there are many benefits and advantages to having a set of goals to work towards and proven benefits to make the goal personal to you.
SMART Goals
One of the most used goal plans is called SMART goals. As you might suspect, SMART is a mnemonic for a way to plan a goal to include all the things discussed above. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound.
What if this system doesn’t appeal to you? It might be too stuffy, too much to track, too hard to fulfill. You can make your own mnemonic that fits you but include the steps needed to be successful.
I have also been able to help several people with other mnemonics they have used successfully.
SOS: Specific, Own it (make it measurable), Steps (timeline)
RIP: Reachable, Important (Relevant), Paces (Steps and feedback)
KISS: Know (what you are capable of), Important (to you), Scope (how long to complete), Step by step
Smile: Specific, Measurable, Important (to you), Length of time, Exact steps
Do-it: Design (specific), On-Track (how to measure accountability), Insight (steps and who can help), Timely
BITE: Bring it (what you want & how to track progress), Instigate (Plan), Time, Evaluate
If you need help with setting a goal, reach out for help. Would you start a journey without a plan to get there? So decide what your goal is and get out of your driveway.
Set a Goal, Make a Plan
Many people feel as if they’re walking in place. As a result they are in the same place they were a year ago or five years ago. They work hard, but they don’t seem to get anywhere. If you ask them what they want they can probably tell you, but if you ask what steps have you taken to get it they likely will say nothing. Obviously they have not set a goal.
Goals help you to organize your time and your resources so that you can make forward steps. As a result, you will have a sense of pride as you achieve each step, and you will lift your self confidence as you recognize your ability to achieve the tasks you’ve set for yourself. Celebrating the small victories on your journey gives you a chance for evaluation and adjusting the next step if you need to. This is your journey, adjust your steps if they don’t fit or if your goals change.
TIPS
The following broad guidelines will help you to set effective, achievable goals:
- State each goal as a positive statement –
- Be precise – Set precise goals, putting in dates, times and amounts so that you can measure achievement.
- Set priorities – If you have several goals, give each a priority.
- Write each goal down
- Set performance goals, not outcome goals – You should take care to set goals over which you have as much control as possible. then you can keep control over your achievements, and draw satisfaction from them.
- Check in with someone you trust. This can help you make sure your goals are specific, attainable and neither too difficult or too easy.
Related Article: Attaining your goals, SMART Goal Worksheet
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