The Art of Goal Setting

The dictionary defines the word “goal” as: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed. Studies show that only 3% of adults have written goals and plans and those 3% earn more than the other 97% put together. Why? Because if you have a clear goal and a plan to achieve it and you stick to the plan, you are less likely to get sidetracked by distractions. “But I have goals” you say. Do you really? Or do you just have dreams and wishes? A goal is not a goal until it is written down and a plan is made to reach it. Until this happens, it remains a dream and a wish. Let’s get to the art of goal setting.

First, you must realize there are different types of goals; long range (five years or more), short range, weekly, and daily. Let’s break it down and start with long range goals. Write down what you want to achieve within the next five years and BE SPECIFIC. Don’t just write down that you want to live in a bigger house. Write down “I want to live in a 3000 square foot house in the country on three acres of land”. The more specific your goal, the easier it is to visualize and the better you visualize it the more desirable it becomes. This is only an example of a long range goal. Create your own and create as many as you want, keeping in mind the time span you have given yourself to achieve it.

Next, write down your short range goals. These can be anything you want to achieve in a shorter period of time. But keep in mind they should move toward your longer range goals. Using the house example a short range goal might be; “Have an income stream that allows me to save $xxxxxx every month.” How will you make that happen? Depending on how you answer this question will depend on if you need to set additional short range goals. You might need to seek a promotion at your current job by studying for and obtaining a certain certification. Or you might need an additional job. Or you might need to payoff current debt so that you can begin saving for your house. All of these would be short range goals with the direct result being to achieve your long range goal.

Then there are weekly goals. These are very short term and should be written out at the beginning of every week. These will also become your to-do list. They will include things that have to be done, like going to the grocery store, paying bills, etc. But they should also include steps that will bring you closer to your short and long range goals. Example: If you need a certification for your current job in order to qualify for that higher paying job and allowing you to save money for your house, then one of the items on your weekly goals/to-do’s should be “study 8 hours for certification” (or however many hours you realistically believe your schedule will allow).

And finally we are down to our daily goals. This list is everything you need to accomplish in a day’s time. It could be “pick up dry cleaning”, or “go to the bank”, “take kids to soccer practice” etc. It should also include steps to reach all of the other goals we have mentioned. Let’s go back to the job certification. If your goal is to study 8 hours that week, decide how many days a week you can study (realistically) and divide by that number. If your goal is to study five days a week then you should add “study for 1.5 hours” to your daily to do’s for five days.

A few other pointers:

1. Always be specific, set time lines, give yourself numbers to follow (I am going to lose 10 pounds this month)
2. Don’t be afraid to add to your goals or to modify them. Life will ALWAYS get in the way and you will always have set backs. Expect them but don’t throw the list out, just modify it so that is achievable but not impossible.
3. Be realistic. You will never lose 50 pounds in one month. Don’t set yourself up for failure.
4. Keep your goals visible. Some people make a “dream board” by cutting out pictures from magazines of house, cars or vacation spots and putting them on their board.
5. Refer back to your to-do list often. It does you no good to write it down if you never refer back to it.
6. Mark through your goals as you achieve them. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and you will be able to visually see how you are getting closer to your long range goals.
7. Celebrate your successes. When you lose 40 pounds, not only mark it off your list but reward yourself by buying a new outfit or splurging on a manicure, pedicure or spa day.
8. No matter which goal you are working towards, always include steps every day, week, month etc that will bring you closer to realizing that goal.
9. Tell people what your goals are. It helps to keep you accountable if you know someone else is watching to see if you will make it and they can help support you in your efforts.
10. Talk to yourself as if your goal has already happened; “I am going home to my 3,000 square foot house in the country”.
11. As you accomplish your goals, set new ones. A successful life is a fulfilled life, and a fulfilled life is one in which your goals have been met.

I hope this has helped you in learning how to set your goals. It will seem awkward at first but remember that only three percent of adults have written goals, and everyone else works for them.