Most people don't keep their New Year's resolutions, or most of their other goals for that matter. Many people get stuck year after year with the same inadequately formulated goals--"quit smoking," for example, or "lose weight"--and ultimately conclude that they are simply temperamentally unsuited to exercise self-discipline. With the right goal-setting techniques, however, combined with more tangible goal-setting tools, you may find yourself soaring past limitations that you once thought were impassable.
Planning
Your mind is your most important goal-setting tool. Rationally formulated goals that take into account human psychology will do more for you than any product on the market. Edwin A. Locke of the University of Maryland School of Business has developed a goal-setting system based on extensive research. According to Locke, your goals should be clear, challenging and simple. They should also be personally meaningful to you, and should provide frequent feedback so that you will know how you're doing. Clarity is enhanced by setting specific, numerical goals whenever possible. Set goals that strain your capabilities but are not impossible to achieve. If your ultimate goal is complex, break it down into several sub-goals that will provide you with frequent feedback as you meet predetermined benchmarks of progress. Finally, make sure that your goals reflect your own desires, not someone else's.
Journaling
Keep a written record of your goals and your progress in achieving them. It is best to keep it all together in a single notebook so you won't lose track of anything. Review your goals frequently, and record any unexpected obstacles. You can also use your journal to brainstorm possible solutions to your obstacles. Even after you have achieved your first set of goals, keep your journal for future reference.
Guided Imagery
The use of guided imagery constitutes a form of mental training that can lead to measurable increases in performance, according to Coaching Science Abstracts. Sit in a chair in a dark and quiet room, relax your body and close your eyes. Vividly imagine undergoing any training necessary to achieve your goal. Bring all your senses into play, as in a dream. This is particularly useful if your goals are athletic or involve physical training. Another form of guided imagery involves imagining your moment of victory--crossing the finish line, for example, or looking in the mirror after losing 28 pounds. With practice, you can improve your mind's ability to vividly imagine such moments, leading to an increase in self-confidence that will positively affect your training.
Scheduling Tools
A variety of automated data organization tools, such as the Backpack, are available to help you keep track of tasks, deadlines and pertinent information using the latest intranet technology. These devices are particularly useful for achieving team goals, because they facilitate communication and ensure that everyone has access to the same information all the time.
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