Goal Setting 101
The promise of a new beginning… This saying has forever been associated with the start of a new calendar year. This uplifting message can inspire people to change their lives in a positive and meaningful way. However, these changes can only occur if the individual is truly invested in them. Goals can not be achieved without hard work and some sacrifice. Oftentimes, people refuse to set goals because they are scared of potentially not meeting them. Other times, people set goals that are ridiculously easy to ensure that they meet them, while some people set goals that they eventually give up on, for any number of reasons. These are the three main opponents of change, particularly during the first few months of any calendar year. So, how does one overcome these barriers in order to instill worthwhile life changes that are permanent? There really isn’t a bullet-proof answer to this question, since everybody is different, and everybody’s goals will be different as well. Nevertheless, here is a five-step plan that can serve as a starting point for change.
Write a list of things that you want to achieve.
Understanding the things that you want to achieve is the brainstorming process of goal setting. The achievements on this list will probably be vastly different, and that’s ok! Goals come in all shapes and sizes, so naturally, the things that we want to achieve will as well. Take some time and just make a quick list of goals. If you want, set a timer for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the things you write down are important, as they are the first things you think of.
Narrow your list down to 5-10 achievements.
Of course, you don’t have to fit these parameters exactly. If you only believe that three of your achievements are important to your life, go with that. If you find a dozen or more, that’s ok too! The only crucial part of this step is reading through your list. Combining multiple achievements into one and getting rid of some achievements that aren’t as important should be your main priorities.
Sort your list of achievements into three different categories: Easy, Moderate, and Difficult.
The easy category should be any achievements that you feel are completely manageable. Moderate is reserved for those that will require a little bit of work to achieve. Finally, difficult is for the ones that seem nearly impossible to achieve compared to the other two categories. Try to make sure that you have at least one achievement in each category. If not, take some time to come up with one, or rethink your achievements in the other categories.
Set a (reasonable) deadline for your achievements.
Setting a deadline for your achievements will place you on a path to success. Sometimes, it is hard to find the motivation to works towards these achievements. Setting a deadline will turn your prospective achievements into goals. The deadlines can be whatever you deem to be acceptable. Just try to make them relatively reasonable. For example, wanting to lose 10 pounds in a day may not be the most reasonable deadline.
Check back on your goals at least once a week.
Keeping track of the goals that you have set is vital to ensuring that you stay on track to achieve them. Keeping a list of all of your goals in a place that you frequently come in contact with (bedroom door, fridge, car) will keep them fresh in your mind. Try to remember any positive and negative progress on your goals and journal them at least once a week. Once you achieve a goal, cross it off your list.
Goal setting is a very positive and rewarding experience. The biggest reason that people avoid goal setting is the fear of failure. However, it is impossible to fail when you set goals for yourself. Sure, you may not achieve all of your goals, and that’s ok! Any progress made on a goal is an achievement, and should not be taken lightly. Aiming high and missing is much better than aiming low and hitting. When you are setting goals, it is nice to have a contrast between easier goals and ones that are more difficult. Setting a difficult goal for yourself will give you a challenge and while challenges may seem annoying and unnecessary, the benefits from taking one on and succeeding can be monumental. Here are some final tips before you start on your path to change…
Goal setting can occur anytime.
Most people wait until the start of a new calendar year to set goals for themselves. Although the start of a new year can serve as motivation, you shouldn’t feel required to wait until January to start setting goals.
Don’t give up!
Keep working toward your goal(s), no matter what. If you need to take a break from a goal, that is perfectly acceptable. Being conscious that you are really putting forth your best effort will be vital for your success.
That’s it! These tips are everything that you need to know before you start setting your own goals for yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Take out a piece of paper, get a timer ready, and make your own list. Change won’t happen unless you allow it to happen.
