Everyone starts off their year with a goal or a set of goals in mind. Many people set out to accomplish many items on their “to-do” list of life, and motivational fires are lit as the clock strikes midnight on the first of the year. Nevertheless, as the year goes on, momentum begins to trail, and many resolutions fade, thus forcing the need to renew the commitment each year.
This year should be different. Before you solidify your goals in stone, consider the following questions: How much time are you going to spend in planning your course of action to achieve those goals? How do you plan to keep those goals alive throughout the year?
In order to start the process correctly, you must first accurately define your “goal.” A goal can be viewed as an overall objective, target or purpose. The process of goal setting; however, begins with a careful consideration of what you would like to achieve, and ends with adequate planning of each action step. Knowing these steps will allow you to formulate goals that you can actually accomplish.
To help you through the process of goal setting, understand that your goals have to be SMART. Setting SMART goals ensures an outline for achieving the goal in an efficient and timely manner. The acronym SMART stands for:
Specific: What is the goal?
Measurable: How will you know when the goal has been reached?
Attainable: Is this goal achievable?
Results-focused: What is the outcome of the goal?
Time-bound: What is the timeline of the goal?
As you move closer to the goal, you must also determine what will be different in this year so that you do not lose momentum on your goals. Think to yourself: Is the goal morally fair? Are the short-term goals consistent with the long-term goals? Can I commit myself emotionally to the goal? Am I living up to the vision that someone else created, or a vision that I have created for myself? Can I visualize the end goal?
Another consideration when setting a goal is identify the risks and fears associated with overcoming barriers to your successful completion of the goal. One useful exercise is to write down 2 reasons why you can achieve the goal for every 1 reason why you cannot achieve it. This will ensure that you have given yourself at least twice as many reasons to succeed than to fail.
Finally, to see your goal to completion, you will need to focus on 3 primary areas: 1) belief in the goal 2) dedication to your vision 3) action to move you through the process.
Remember, goal setting is a life-long process. Once you have completed one goal, lay out your course of action for the next, and you will lead a life of perpetual triumph.
Good luck as you close out 2015!
