Goal-setting is undergoing a transformation from art into science as anecdotal reports are replaced with experimental evidence. Although much of the existing anecdotal evidence is now supported by scientific research, modern psychology is still in the process of refining goal-setting techniques. Well-formulated goals have a power to motivate you that vague statements of intent lack.
Desire
Spend time soul-searching until you find out what you truly desire. Any lasting change in your life must be based on what you genuinely want to do, rather than what you think you ought to do, according to the University of Kentucky. If you need to do something you don't want to do, find a reason to want to do it before you commit to doing it.
Clarity
Your goals must be clear, so that you will be able to measure your progress and know when you have achieved them. The Turner Leadership Academy suggests formulating goals that include dates, amounts and deadlines. Break down general goals into steps that can be completed frequently, put deadlines on them, and take note whenever you successfully meet a deadline.
Positive Statements
State your goals positively, advises the Turner Leadership Academy. Focus on what you want to do rather than what you want to avoid. Some goals, such as quitting smoking, are difficult to state positively. In this case you might consider setting another goal---such as running five miles within a certain time---that will require you to quit smoking in order to accomplish it.
Process Goals
Set process goals rather than outcome goals, advises the Mayo Clinic. Process goals focus on your actions, while outcome goals focus on ultimate results. If you want to lose weight, for example, you might substitute a goal that includes an ideal weight with goals that involve exercise and daily calorie consumption. This helps you keep the achievement of your goals within your control.
Journaling
Keep a detailed journal in order to keep track of your process. Write down your major goals, all of the steps involved, all of your deadlines, and all other objective benchmarks of success. Leave spaces to check off whenever your reach a goal.
Evaluation and Feedback
Review your journal regularly in order to keep its details fresh in your mind. The Mayo Clinic advises checking your goals once a week to keep track of your progress. Pay attention to which strategies were successful and which ones weren't, and revise these strategies to take advantage of your experience. In some cases, you may find it necessary to revise your goals upward or downward to keep them challenging but attainable.
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