What goal setting techniques work best?
The years pass by quickly and we seem to be caught in the rush of have to's as we scurry through our lives. Being so caught up in the everyday routine may lead us to forget what we truly want to accomplish in life. Then suddenly an event small or large may occur that makes us sit up and take notice. Often these events cause us to reflect on our life plan and we may determine we are not going or being where we want to be. In these moments, life seems to take on a new perspective. We see with clarity the wrong turns we've taken along the way. Fortunately there are two directions to look: backward and forward. It is at these times we may turn to our life plan and begin setting concrete goals that will chart us in a different direction. We know that by setting goals and working hard we can get to a place we want to be. Yet while we had gained some clarity we may still be overwhelmed by the choices ahead of us. This is where the ability to set goals and master them becomes key. The following techniques have been shown to be the most effective in setting goals:
1. Most importantly-Write down your goals! This allows the goal to become something real and concrete. To often goals are only passing ideas because we fail to bring them some depth and possibility. Also by writing down your goals you have a permanent record of what you want to achieve. Post your goals where you can see them and be reminded of them.
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2. Break larger goals into smaller more attainable goals. We may feel overwhelmed by the total goal no matter how much we want to achieve it but by breaking it down it becomes within our grasp. Smaller goals also give us an opportunity for more chances for success.
3. Write your goals and all subsequent parts in positive language. Like positive thought, positive language is much more motivational.
4. Be very precise in the wording of your goal. Write your goals in a manner that anyone reading them even if they didn't know you would understand what you want to accomplish. For example for a weight loss goal put down a specific amount of weight by a specific time.
5. Think outside the box while for ways to help you achieve goals. Calendars can help remind deadlines for achieving a goal. Computers of any kind can be programmed to post reminders. Mail yourself a letter whatever helps in motivating and reminding you to achieve your goal.
6. Reward yourself when you do succeed at even a part of your goal. Once you have succeeded and been rewarded it will spur you on to further action. Success truly does breed success.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help in goal setting. Experts can be invaluable if you are setting a goal in an area unfamiliar to you. Who can help you? It may be beneficial to find a mentor along the way who can assist you in the important questions of: what you should do to get started, where you should start, when you should begin, and how to go about it. Someone "in the know" can save you a lot of steps along the way, and provide motivational support to give you an extra boost of confidence.
Goals can be valuable tools to help chart the course of lives. We can use our goals to turn our dreams into reality and take us to the place we have always wanted to be.
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