You've probably been told the classic steps to setting goals before: define the goal, set a deadline, outline the steps you have to take to get there and consider how you'll deal with possible setbacks. But sometimes we forget to do all the parts that are required to achieve what we want, or we set ourselves up for failure by making the goal and the time frame unreasonable. Doing some goal setting exercises will help you get into the swing of it, and give you a better chance for success.
Significance
Setting clearly-defined goals, and following through on what's required to achieve them, help people get things done effectively. A goal lays out your vision, your action plan for getting there, and a way to measure your results as you go. A "SMART" goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time sensitive. However, it's easy to get stopped before you start by not knowing how to define a goal, where to focus your efforts or what to do to achieve it. This is where goal setting exercises can help.
Function
The purpose of a goal setting exercise is to prime you for achieving your goal. This is done by getting you excited about achieving the goal, helping you identify your values, short-term and long-term goals, and determining which of your goals are the most important to you. They also help you tap into the feelings of achieving success, which you can use to propel you forward to accomplish your real goals.
When done in a group, goal setting exercises break the ice, build team camaraderie and help identify the ideal leader to help that team achieve the goal. They can also help the team collectively identify the steps and details required to reach the goal, and determine the best team member to take on each task.
Time Frame
A goal may take you several months, or even years, to accomplish, depending on whether it's a short-term or long-term goal. However, many people get frustrated and lose sight of the end result when forced to wait that long. Goal setting exercises can be done in an hour, or just a few minutes.
Types
Goal setting exercises can help you determine what your core values are by making you choose and write down what you would do if you suddenly had a lot of money to spend, or were financially free, for instance. If you want to do something regardless of the need to make money from it, then you know it's a true passion of yours. Once you know your values, you can stand behind them with conviction.
Imagining yourself in the near and distant future, and what you've accomplished between now and then, can map out your short-term and long-term goals. Writing down a "bucket list" of what you'd do if you only had a few months to live shows you what's really important to you.
Describing the last time you felt true happiness, peace, achievement or learned a new skill, lets you remember the uplifting feelings associated with that. Tapping into positive emotions is very effective in motivating you to achieve a goal.
Expert Insight
Renowned goal setting expert Brian Tracy has a simple goal setting exercise: write down your top 10 goals for the year, and then choose one that you would have the biggest impact on your life if you could achieve it in 24 hours. Then make a plan to achieve that goal, and do one thing every day to move yourself towards achieving it.
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