If you want to succeed, you need to set goals. without goals, you lack focus directions. Goal setting not only allows you to take control of your life's direction; it also provides you with a benchmark for determining whether you are actually succeeding.
To accomplish your goals, however, you need to know how to set them. you cannot simply say "I want" and expect it to happen. Goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve and ends with a lot of hard work to actually do it.
Goal setting is a powerful process of thinking about your ideal future and motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality. The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your efforts. you will also spot the distractions that can, so easily lead you astray.
There are some very well-defined steps that transcend the specifics of each goal. These steps will help you formulate goals that you can accomplish.
SET GOALS THAT MOTIVATE YOU
When you set goals for yourself, it is important that they motivate you, this means making sure that they are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. if you have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the larger picture. Motivation is key to achieving goals.
Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. without this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to feel a sense of urgency and have "I must do this" attitude. When you don't have this, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you feel disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are de-motivating and you can end up in a very destructive "I can't do anything or be successful at anything" frame of mind.
SET SMART GOALS
You have probably heard of SMART goals already but do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. your goals should be:
- Specific
Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient direction. Take note; you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.
- Measurable
Include the precise amount, dates, in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. if your goal is simply defined as "To reduce expenses" how will you know when you have been successful? In one month's time if you have a 1 per cent reduction or in three years time when you have 30 percent reduction?. Without a way to measure your success, you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you actually achieved something.
- Attainable
Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set goals that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence. However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn't have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. these are the types of goals that require you to "raise the bar" and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.
- Relevant
Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take, by keeping goals aligned with this, you will develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you will fritter your time and your life away.
- Time-Bound
Your goals must have a deadline, again this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.
SET GOALS IN WRITING
The physical act of writing down a goal is real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write, use the word "will" instead of "would like" to "might". For instance, "I will reduce my operating expenses by 15 per cent this year", not "I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 15 per cent this year". The first goal statement has power and you can "see" yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an excuse if you get sidetracked. Post your goals in a visible place to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder.
MAKE AN ACTION PLAN
This step is often missed in the process of goal setting, you get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as you complete it, you will realize that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. This is especially important if your goal is big and demanding, or long-term.
STICK WITH IT
Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity, not just a means to an end. Build-in reminders to keep yourself on track, and make regular time.
Comments
Post a Comment