There are many reasons why many people fail to achieve their goals. It could be self-doubt, lack of commitment and motivation, or lack of focus. Somewhere along the way, they have decided to set their goals aside and put their attention elsewhere. Sometimes also, It could be that the goals were not set rightly. If the goals are not rightly set, there would definitely be problems in the implementation.
Do you want to know how to rightly set goals in order to achieve them? Below are simple rules to follow to set yourself up for goal-setting and success.
Define your ‘Why’.
Why do you want to achieve the goals you have? Defining your ‘why’ gives you a kind of motivation. Also, this ‘why’ is related to a certain purpose. When you know why you are working toward that goal, and there is a purpose behind it, you feel more excited to put in the hours and achieve it.
Set long-term, intermediate and short-term goals:
You need to set your goals in three different categories. The long-term goals, the intermediate goals, and the short-term goals.
The short-term goals might include daily or weekly goals, the intermediate goals might include what you want to fulfill in the next 3 months and the long-term goals might include where you want to see yourself in the next one year and above.
However, before setting your goals in these categories, make sure that all the three goals align.
Set S.M.A.R.T. goals
You must have heard about SMART goals. If you have not, SMART is an acronym for
S – Specific. Be specific. Clear and well-defined goals are helpful because you set a right direction to follow.
M – Measurable. Set measurable goals. Point out how you will know you have reached your goal
A – Achievable. Set achievable goals and point out how you can accomplish them.
R – Relevant. You get an extra boost of motivation when there is a purpose behind your goal.
T – Timebound. Set a deadline for achieving the goal.
Write down your goals.
Once you put your pen on paper and write down your goals, it becomes real and tangible. In fact, once you write your goals down, you are halfway towards achieving it. Writing down your goals gives you a visual reminder and accountability that there is something you have to achieve.
Involve a support system. Tell someone.
Achieving your set goals will be easier if you have a good support system that will support you through the tough times that you might face. Your support system could be your family, your best friend, mentor etc.
A good support system can double the level of enthusiasm with which you work and make you feel more motivated towards the achievement of the goals. Because then you have people waiting for you to succeed.
Also, good support system can boost your confidence when you hit a rough patch. Telling someone about your goals increases the likelihood that you will stick to working toward achieving them. Once you share your goals with another person, you will likely want to prove that person that you can achieve your goals.
Break your goal into smaller goals.
If you have a big goal, breaking the goal down to smaller goals will help your journey of achieving it. Big goals may seem overwhelming, especially if you reach a certain amount of time working toward it. You may become burned out and feel that you have no progress. However, breaking the goal down into smaller goals gives you a feeling of success along the way. This feeling will help you stay on track toward your bigger goal.
Set process related, and not result related goals
Set your goals to be performance related or process related and not result related. Here is why
If the goal is result related then you will not be able to measure how far you have come in the process of accomplishing the goals. If at the end you don’t achieve the result, you might get disheartened and lose your motivation.
However, if your goals are performance related then you will have a better understanding of the work done so far and hence have the courage to be able to go an extra mile.
Plan to celebrate each win.
Don’t forget to celebrate each step you have accomplished in your journey towards achieving your goal. This will boost your self-morale and motivate you to move forward to the next agenda. However, don’t beat yourself too hard if you miss a deadline, just keep your eyes on the prize.
Paying attention to how you set your goals helps you to achieve them. Once you understand how to successfully set goals, and then set your goals rightly, you are already halfway to achieving them. Now, having learnt how these rules, go ahead and set your goals and achieve them. We are rooting for your success.
My name is Chigozie Japhet. I am a content writer, and a brand strategist. I like writing, reading, researching and watching football, especially my team, Man United. i believe in working hard, and also in relaxation as all work without play, makes Chigozie a dull boy.
