How to Properly Set Goals and Achieve Them
Completing a goal or goals is the driving force of our lives. But to achieve them, you must know how to properly set goals so you can meet them adequately. Whether it is big or small, accomplishing a dream makes us happy. So how can we make this happen? How can one adequately set goals and achieve them?
Defining Goal Setting
When you speak about goal setting, it is a purposeful and explicit process that begins with an objective or skill you would like to achieve. Planning the steps on how to achieve it is what you call goal setting. This setting requires careful planning, motivation, and discipline to achieve the said goal.
Steps on How to Properly Set Goals
Even if we have a target in mind, it is always a struggle to achieve them. No matter how hard you want to fulfill these dreams, you still fail along the way? Why do you do this, you ask? It’s because you did not follow a plan. So, to avoid failing your next mission, here are steps on how to set goals and achieve them in no time properly!
#1. Know what you want.
When it comes to planning goals, you must picture the outcome of it. What are your passions? What makes you happy? Keep in mind that when you set a dream, it should be something that you are willing to pour hours of work. It should be something that will give you a sense of purpose and pride once you have accomplished them. Knowing what you truly want will make it easier for you to set the steps towards reaching them.
#2. Have SMART goals.
Once you have a specific target in mind, you must ensure that it meets the SMART criteria [1]. When we talk about the SMART standards, they should be Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Having clear goals will help in tracking your progress and knowing whether you met your target or not. And remember, only set goals you can control; it will be easier for you to achieve them.
#3. Break down the steps and create an action plan.
Some people will formulate a goal but don’t push through with their plans or create one. To meet your target, you must have an action plan to go with it.
Write down your steps, use markers, pens, or whatever it is that could help you remember the efforts you made. Being creative on how you made your action plans will also help activate a different part of your brain and cements the goals in your mind.
#4. Keep a perspective.
It is easy to become obsessed with achieving your goals. And sometimes, it feels like you give anything to meet them. However, it could lead to overworking, overthinking, and burnout on your part – you must avoid doing that.
Remember that the only timeline you have is your pace, and you are not competing with anyone either. So, learn to slow down and take breaks. Look at the bigger picture of your plans. And most importantly, be kind to yourself and take your time.
#5. Identify any potential obstacle.
As you go about your plans to achieve your target, you will also be dealing with obstacles. Sometimes it could be financial problems or physical ones. Whatever these potential obstacles are, it is always better to anticipate them. When you can identify these threats, it is easier to create an action plan to overcome them and move on to the next step.
#6. Reassess and reevaluate your progress.
For you to meet your goals, you must keep your motivation strong. Although it is normal to encounter trouble every once in a while, you need to keep up and stay up! The best way to do this is to reevaluate yourself and assess your goals again. Consider a weekly evaluation and check your progress.
Once you see how close you are to meeting your goals, you will feel more motivated to push through them. If you feel like you are a bit behind, don’t worry. Check and see if you can still have room for adjustments so you can fulfill everything.
#7. And if You Fall off the Wagon.
Adjusting yourself to change your habits is hard, especially if you try your best to meet your goals. There will be times when you let yourself go – aka falling off the wagon, but that’s okay. TRY AGAIN!
No one is perfect, and we all fall short of something, so be kind to yourself. You can drop so many times, but what is essential is that you get up and try again. Whatever you do, don’t quit.
Now You Know How to Properly Set Goals!
Instead of singing Que Sera Sera, why don’t you take charge of your life and do something about it? Be proactive and take steps in creating the life you want to live in the future. Sure, we cannot control everything, but it will be a life worth living if you start setting goals now! And hopefully, this post shed light on that, now go and make those dreams happen. You can do it!
