Goal Setting
September 9th, 2006There are a number of different and effective techniques for setting goals. Each individual will respond to the method which best suits their personality and their own unique style of thinking. At times I feel it is necessary to use different methods of goal setting for particular types of goals. The following article incorporates a number of simple yet effective techniques that have worked successfully for me.
If this is the first time you have planned to start goal setting the most important first step is to decide what it is you want. So you are probably thinking there are plenty of things you want or would like to achieve. Great, so make a list. This can be your first goal. Simply make a list as long as you like of everything you would like to come into your life. When you have made this list it is at this point you need to make a decision. You need to choose just one goal and set a time limit for achieving that goal. Remember the old saying, you have to crawl before you can walk, this directly applies to people just beginning to incorporate goal setting into their lives. Do not try and do too much too quick as you may over commit your self and this is a sure fire way to get discouraged and quit before you ever get any meaningful results.
I suggest choosing a simple goal that you know you can achieve in a relatively short time, definitely no more than a week. It can be as simple a goal as deciding to put the trash out every night after dinner, or waking up 5 minutes earlier each day. It is not important what the goal is but what is important is that you set the goal, set the time schedule to achieve the goal and follow through on it. Once you have successfully achieved this very simple goal you can take the next step with confidence as you are now a goal achiever.
Once you have that first simple goal out of the way it is time to get serious and have fun with the process of goal setting. This does not need to be difficult. It is simply a matter of setting your intentions and following through in your own time and at your own pace. It is not even necessary to tell anyone else about your goal setting, in fact I would not tell anyone. Why put added pressure on yourself unnecessarily, you are not doing this for the benefit of others you are doing it entirely for yourself and as a result others may happen to benefit which is just a bonus.
When it comes time to choose some medium range and long term goals I find it helpful to get very clear on exactly what it is I want to achieve before I start the process of goal setting. The best way to do this is to write down your goals. Let us take a simple example and work out the necessary steps. Remember to add as much detail to make it as easy for you as possible.
My goal is to lose weight. I do not just want to be thinner, I want to be toned and be fit at the same time. I want to lose fat but I want to keep the muscle I have and have an athletic look. I am currently 180 pounds. I feel my ideal bodyweight would be 160 pounds so I am going to lose 20 pounds. I believe I can lose 2 pounds per week and still eat enough food to feel comfortable. Keeping with my current work schedule I can walk for 1 hour in the morning 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) and go to the gym in the evenings 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). On Monday evening I will begin the goal and speak to a personal trainer at my gym who will advise me on the correct diet to achieve my goal within the time frame I have set. I truly want this as it will make me feel good about myself and when I achieve my goal in 10 weeks and I know I will I am going to reward myself with a new pair of jeans and jacket to fit my new body. I will review my goal at the 5 week mark.
This goal is just an example but it is specific and dripping with detail. Below is a list of all the necessary steps for goal setting success.
It is written and specific.
Time frame is clear.
Action steps are broken down and detailed.
It is realistic.
The motivation behind the goal is clear.
Definite start and finish date.
Midpoint reassessment.
Reward for achieving goal.
Not all goals and not all people will need such a detailed plan but if you have covered all the points above and work towards your goal setting by taking the necessary action steps it will be just a matter of time till you achieve success. Whether it is a short, medium or 10 year long term goal, the process is always the same. The more detail and the more you break down the steps the easier it will be get what it is you want. The sky is the limit when you set goals.
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