Do you set the same New Yearâs resolutions every year? Do you recommit to the same goal, promising yourself that youâll finally finish it?
If you answered yes, know that youâre not alone. Many people are stuck in the same cycle of setting goals, forgetting about them or failing to complete them, and then setting the same goals again with a renewed (but temporary) resolve to meet those goals.
But you can break the cycle. Continue reading to learn about the goal setting process and get the most out of your business, your team, and yourself.
Setting goals is easy, but following through and actually accomplishing them is the hard part. According to University College London, as many as 92% of people fail to reach their goals. Don’t become part of this statistic! With the right goal-setting strategies, you can set yourself up for success.
This comprehensive guide reveals proven techniques to turn your biggest goals from dreams into reality. Learn how to craft inspiring goals, make concrete plans, overcome obstacles, and track progress. With determination and focus, you can develop the motivation needed to successfully achieve your most ambitious aims.
Step 1: Set SMART Goals
For goals to be effective, they must be SMART:
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Specific – Well-defined and clear so anyone can understand them. Not vague aspirations but concrete objectives.
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Measurable – Include quantifiable targets and metrics to track progress.
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Achievable – Ambitious but realistic given your situation. Build confidence with attainable stepping stones.
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Relevant – Align with your values, needs, and priorities. Focus on what matters most.
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Time-bound – Include a target deadline This creates accountability and urgency
SMART goals provide clarity and give direction. They convert lofty desires into defined results to work towards
Step 2: Write Them Down
Committing goals to paper increases achievement by 42% according to a study on the power of writing goals published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The physical act of writing cements your intentions
Write each SMART goal statement plainly on paper or a goal journal. Post them where you’ll see them daily as a reminder to stay focused and motivated.
Step 3: Make Your Goals Visible
Out of sight, out of mind. When goals aren’t top of mind, it’s easy to lose focus. To optimize achievement, keep your goals visible:
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Set reminders on your phone calendar for goal milestones.
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Share goals with a supportive partner, coach, or friend for accountability.
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Display goal boards visually tracking progress.
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Set computer and phone wallpapers showing your goals.
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Carry goal cards in your wallet to review frequently.
Step 4: Break It Down
Don’t get overwhelmed looking at the big picture. Zoom in and break large goals down into smaller, manageable steps.
Define actions needed each day, week, and month to make tangible progress. Small wins keep motivation high.
For example, writing a book could entail:
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Outline chapters
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Write 500 words per day
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Send draft chapters to editor biweekly
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Publish completed book by December
Baby steps!
Step 5: Develop an Action Plan
Now make an specific, step-by-step plan for achieving each goal based on your timeline. Plot what, when, and how you’ll take action.
Be realistic about your schedule and abilities. But challenge yourself with the right amount of stretch. Accountability to the plan is key.
Using the book writing goal again:
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Outline chapters 1-5 by March 12
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Write from 7-8AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday every week
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Send editor chapters 1-7 by May 15
You get the gist! Determine the who, what, where, when, and how to define the path to success.
Step 6: Take Action!
There comes a time when planning must give way to doing. As the saying goes:
“A goal without action is just a wish.”
After defining your plan, it’s time to start! Even if you don’t feel ready, take the first step. Momentum builds when you move. Then tick off each mini goal methodically.
Stay focused and don’t get distracted by other interests. Remind yourself daily why your goals are so important to you. The motivation will follow.
Step 7: Keep Perspective
When enthusiasm wanes, regain perspective. Reconnect to the emotional reasons you set your sights on this goal originally. How will accomplishing it improve your life?
Also appreciate how far you’ve already come! Celebrate small victories and milestones achieved along the way.
Stay positive and don’t beat yourself up over setbacks. Stumbling blocks are learning opportunities, not cause for surrender. Believe in your abilities. Consistency and effort pay off.
Step 8: Identify Obstacles
Assume obstacles will pop up on your journey. Accept it and prepare mentally. Common goal blockers include:
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Unexpected events demanding attention
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Loss of motivation when novelty wears off
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Lack of time, resources, or skills needed
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Distractions like social media and TV
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Discouragement after a plateau or minor failure
Knowing these pitfalls, have plans lined up to navigate them. Don’t give up at the first hiccup. Persist with creativity until your goals are met!
Achieve Your Goals Starting Now
There’s no secret formula. Accomplishing big goals simply comes down to:
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Defining inspiring but concrete SMART goals
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Committing them to paper and keeping them visible
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Breaking them down into manageable action steps
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Making and sticking to a realistic plan
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Overcoming obstacles creatively along the way
Stop wishing and start doing. You have tremendous potential to achieve your goals, no matter how ambitious. Define, plan for, and relentlessly work toward your dreams a little each day. Then enjoy the sweet taste of success!
What is goal setting?
Some people may have trouble sticking to goals because they donât distinguish their goals from more casual, everyday self-improvement efforts. Just because you decide to start running every day doesnât necessarily make that a conscious goal. So letâs revisit what goal setting means.
Goal setting is a purposeful and explicit process that starts with identifying a new objective, skill, or project you want to achieve. Then, you make a plan for achieving it, and you work to complete it.Â
Instead of just running with no particular purpose, a true goal would be more along the lines of starting a training program to complete a specific race, say a Thanksgiving Day half marathon, which requires much more careful planning, motivation, and discipline.Â
Create an action plan
Many people decide on a goal but never create an action plan to determine how exactly they will meet that goal. Your action plan should include the overall goal youâre trying to meet and all the steps you need to take to get there.
Donât be afraid to get creative with your action plan. Write out your goal using crayons, markers, or colored pencils, for example. According to Forbes, creating an action plan this way activates a different part of your brain and cements the goals in your mind.
Use Lucidchart to create an organized, visual action plan.
How To Set Goals And Achieve Them – Jim Rohn
How do I set specific goals?
Before setting specific goals, take an inventory of your core values. You may already know which values are important to you, but having clarity about what matters most will help you keep them central to the goals you’ll need to create the life you want. Take the time to spell them out, prioritize them, and reflect on what they mean to you.
What are the benefits of setting goals for yourself?
When you set goals for yourself, you are ultimately approaching success with an open mind, and making progress toward your goals can allow you to improve your skills and knowledge and even learn new skills. Collins Learning | Educate. Inspire. Transform. Call us today at 855-238-2655 or Email us at [email protected].
How do I achieve my life goals?
Talk to counselors, teachers, and parents about what it takes to realize your life goals. Try to make learning a priority and remember that sometimes boring repetition is important to fully mastering an idea. If this does not work, try set up some sort of external motivation.
