The process of goal-setting is slowly developing from an art into a science. Goal-setting theory was originally based on time-tested rules of thumb and anecdotal evidence. Gradually, these are being replaced or supplemented with scientifically-tested principles. In order to bring your goals beyond the level of New Year's resolutions you forget by February, learn these goal-setting principles and apply them.
Motivation
Clarity and confidence are two of the most important foundations of motivation. Your goal should be clear enough in your mind for you to understand it and immediately identify how to begin reaching it. If you want to become a concert pianist, for example, you should research educational requirements, job prospects and career paths before setting this as a goal. You must also believe that you are capable of achieving it, according to the University of Kentucky. Consider speaking with someone who has already achieved the goal you strive for to make it seem more achievable to you.
Specificity
Your goals should be precise, according to the Turner Leadership Academy, so that you will be able to track your progress and identify when you have achieved your aims. Use dates, times and numbers whenever possible, and set deadlines. However, you need more than just a statement of desired results, no matter how specific. You need to identify each step along the way, determine what you need to learn and how you will get this information, prepare for foreseeable obstacles and develop contingency plans for dealing with external obstacles and personal failures.
Challenge Level
Easy goals cannot motivate you well, because the payoffs are too small even if you do achieve them. Impossible goals are not goals at all, but only wishes that most likely will not come true. Between these two extremes lies the challenge zone, where you may find goals that have the power to motivate you. Your goals should be difficult to achieve, but not impossible.
Process Orientation
Outcome goals are framed in terms of the ultimate result of your efforts; "Win the Nobel Prize," for example, or "Bench-press 325 pounds." The first goal is dependent largely on the caliber of your competition, while the second goal is dependent on your own body.
Instead of outcome goals, set performance goals. You might decide to set a goal of running for an hour each weekday and eliminating sweets from your diet instead of aiming to lose a certain number of pounds.
Tracking and Review
It is nearly impossible to develop the perfect plan in advance. The odds are good that you will learn as you go, largely through your mistakes. It is critical to develop a system to integrate new insights and superior techniques into your performance as you go along.
Keep a goal journal in which you list your goals and keep track of your progress. Note any failures, try to figure out what went wrong, identify a better way to do it and revise your goals to the extent necessary. You might find, for example, that you are distracted from your studies by constant interruptions. In response, you might want to adjust your study schedule or find a new place to study.
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