1. Set Goals that Motivate You
When you set goals for yourself, it
is important that they motivate you: this means making sure that they
are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. If you
have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the
larger picture, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them
happen are slim. Motivation is key to achieving goals.
Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. Without
this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving
you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires
commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to
feel a sense of urgency and have an "I must do this" attitude. When
you don't have this, you risk putting off what you
need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you
feeling disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are
de-motivating. And you can end up in a very destructive "I can't do
anything or be successful at anything" frame of mind.
2. Set SMART Goals
You have probably heard of "SMART goals"
already. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for
goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are
many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this –
goals should be:
- Specific.
- Measurable.
- Attainable.
- Relevant.
- Time Bound.
Set Specific Goals
You goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or
generalized goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient
direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy
as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you
want to end up.
Set Measurable Goals
Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can
measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined
as "To reduce expenses" how will you know when you have been successful?
In one month's time if you have a 1 percent reduction or in two years'
time when you have a 10 percent reduction? Without a way to measure
your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with
knowing you have actually achieved something.
Set Attainable Goals
Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If
you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only
demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.
However, resist the urge to set goals that are too
easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn't have to work hard for can be
anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals
that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet
challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of
goals that require you to "raise the bar" and they bring the greatest
personal satisfaction.
Set Relevant Goals
Goals should be relevant to the direction
you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned
with this, you'll develop the focus you need to get ahead and
do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals,
and you'll fritter your time – and your life – away.
Set Time-Bound Goals
You goals must have a deadline. Again, this means
that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a
deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that
much quicker.
3. Set Goals in Writing
The physical act of writing down a
goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about
it. As you write, use the word "will" instead of "would like to" or
"might." For example, "I will reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent
this year," not "I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 10
percent this year." The first goal statement has power and you can "see"
yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an
excuse if you get sidetracked.
Now,
think about the level of satisfaction you’re experiencing in each area.
Are you at the center of the circle at “0” (no satisfaction) or the
outer edge of the circle at “10” (total satisfaction) or somewhere in
between? Draw a line in each wedge to indicate your response. If you’re a
creative type, you can color in the area between the new line and the
center of the circle. Here’s a sample completed Wheel of Life:
