Setting goals is the easiest way to achieve success. If you feel as though you have never accomplished anything worthwhile, it may be because you never set any targets to reach. You wouldn’t set out on a trip when you don’t know the destination, would you? If you did, how would you know when you have arrived?
Why Set Goals?
The process of setting goals forces you to think about what you want out of life and how to accomplish it. You will avoid distractions because you know exactly where you want to go and how to get there. Your motivation will sky-rocket and as you progress, you can take pride in what you have achieved which makes you want to do more.
Here are some rules to follow to set goals that will lead to your success:
1. Your Goals Must Motivate You
In order for you to stay focused and maintain your interest in completing an objective, it must be important to you. Otherwise, why keep working toward it? Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life and have some sense of urgency so you will stay committed.
When that “I must get this done” attitude is not present, you risk putting off the completion of that goal leading to frustration and disappointment and no-one wants that.
2. Your Goals Must Be SMART
Last year, I took a business development course and learned all about setting SMART goals. There are variations of the meaning of SMART but basically it means:
S- Specific
M- Measurable
A- Attainable
R- Realistic
T- Time-bound
Specific
You must stipulate exactly what you want to achieve. When plans lack focus, they don’t provide the proper direction to keep you on track.
Measurable
Include benchmarks to determine success. Without a way to measure the completion of a goal, you will never know when you have achieved it so always include exact quantities or dates.
Attainable
Set goals that you can actually complete. If your targets are way too difficult to achieve, you will feel disappointed at the end of the day. With that said, make sure you don’t set goals that are too easy. You need to feel as though you have overcome a hurdle to experience a deep feeling of satisfaction.
Relevant
Your goals must lead you towards the bigger picture that you see for your life. Having relevant goals allows to you to have focus and avoids you wasting time.
Time-Bound
When you have a deadline, you will know when you need to complete your goal. This drives you to get it done and you will know when you can measure your success.
3. Write Your Goals Down
Writing goals makes them seem more real. It also helps to place them in a location where you can view them easily and frequently, that way you have a nice visual reminder to keep you on track.
4. Make A Plan
Think about the big picture and then write the individual steps you need to take to get there. Your plan should include: Who? What? Why? When? Where? How?
I love being able to cross things off my list as I feel like I am actually making progress and I can look at the overall thing I’m trying to achieve and know that I am working towards something.
5. Celebrate And Review
You should check your action plan frequently to see how you are progressing and to celebrate your accomplishments. Reviewing your plan is important. Sometimes priorities change and your plan must reflect these changes. Otherwise you’ll be working toward a goal you no longer care about.
If you’re ready to tackle your goals, a planner might be a handy tool to have on hand. You can always use a digital app e.g. Evernote but a physical planner comes in handy as well. For a free planner printable from The Handmade Home, click here.
What are your goals for this year?