Setting goals is a way to determine what you want to do and how fast you want to do it. It does involve some planning and practice to achieve the right balance, but with focus, you'll see how much gets done along the way as opposed to not targeting a specific point. "We are biologically hard-wired to feel happier if we have some sense of control and choice over our lives, which is what setting goals and taking action gives us," says success author and speaker Andy Smith.
Step 1
Determine what it is that you want to achieve, thinking ahead to the long-term. "Think big and set long-term goals that excite you," urges Andy Smith. Write details about your goal in a journal and on a dry-erase board. Keep personal goals "self-representative" and attach to them emotionally to keep motivated, suggests psychologist Kenneth Sheldon. Write the date by which you desire to meet the goal. Ask yourself if you truly believe this objective is obtainable within the time frame you've set. Change the goal date before you begin if you feel uncomfortable with it.
Step 2
Look at upcoming dates within the time allotted to reach the goal. Set short-term goals that break up the larger initiative by realistically reviewing your calendar and your future commitments. Write these actions and dates on the board and in your journal. Ask a friend or colleague to be your accountability partner for the duration of the goal period, and determine the dates to correspond with your progress.
Step 3
Review your journal, board and calendar before you get too busy each day. Set up a task list, and schedule when you will work on it. Highlight each achieved short-term goal and task with a yellow marker, each "working on" goal with pink, and each "moved to a later date" goal with orange as you go along every day.
Step 4
Reward yourself for achieved short-term goals with something that brings you joy, such as a nice dinner, spa treatment or time with friends. Tell people about your plans to achieve the goal. This will reinforce your resolve to complete it. Delegate tasks that others may be willing to execute for you.
Step 5
Re-evaluate your long-term goal at the halfway point to determine whether you are on track to meeting your deadline. Adjust the short-term goal accordingly. Talk to your accountability partner about your successes and missed goals, and ask for feedback. Continue this pattern throughout the goal period.
Tips and Warnings
- Adjust the goal dates and get back on track as soon as possible if you get stuck due to circumstances or unexpected responsibilities. Believe in yourself, and understand that your goal is also opportunity for self-growth. Make a visual board with colorful photos and words that pertain to your goal, and place it in a spot you see every day.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
- Calendar
- Pen
- 3 highlighters
- Dry-erase board
- 3 dry-erase pens
- Accountability partner
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