Do you love setting goals, but struggle to achieve them?
I hear ya!
I love setting goals and I gotta say, I love achieving goals too.
Sometimes though, accomplishing the goals we set for ourselves is NOT so easy. Most of the time, goals simply get lost.
But we can’t give up on it.
Setting goals is crucial for achieving success, whether it be personal or in business.
Without goals, there would be a lack of focus and direction. When done correctly, it helps keep you motivated and productive!
So how do you set realistic goals and how do you actually achieve them?
HOW TO SET GOALS
Reflect on and evaluate your situation
Before starting to set new goals for yourself, it is a good idea to take a moment to reflect on your past achievements and evaluate your current situation.
By figuring out and assessing your strengths, weaknesses, past mistakes, past learning, current situation, current mindset, roadblocks etc., you will get a better understanding of what you can and want to achieve.
Working out what worked and what didn’t work for you is all part of the growing process. It will help you make better and more realistic goals for yourself going forward.
Set goals which are backed by a purpose
Setting goals purely based on what you think you should be doing is NOT a set up for success.
When you set your goals, figure out if accomplishing that goal is what you truly want. Your goals need to align with the high priorities in your life and your purpose.
It actually needs to be important to YOU.
Knowing your “why” is extremely crucial because when times get tough, it will be your “why” and your purpose that will ultimately push you through.
Set S.M.A.R.T goals
There are many different strategies out there to help you achieve your goals, but the most effective one I have found is to set SMART goals.
SMART is an acronym which stand for:
– Specific
– Measurable
– Achievable
– Relevant
– Timely
For a goal to be considered a SMART goal, it needs to fulfill the above 5 criteria.
Here is an example of a vague, non-SMART goal:
I want to make money with my blog.
Now here is an example of a SMART goal:
To reach $1,000 in ads revenue with my blog within 24 months.
You get my drift?
Setting SMART goals helps you develop CLEAR objectives which you can ACTUALLY obtain.
Remember, like all other strategies, this is just a guide.
It isn’t the be-all and end-all answer to goal setting. You need to constantly evaluate and revise your goals as you go along.
TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE ACTION & ACTUALLY ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
Now that you have an understanding of how to set awesome goals for yourself, it’s time to slay those goals!
Keep your goals in sight at all times
How many times have you set a goal for yourself, and then forgot about it?
Yep, I certainly have!
Well, one big but simple way to combat this problem is to write it down!
Next to it, I also like to write my purpose (my “why”) for wanting to achieve the particular goal. I find that it is extra motivating and serves as a good reminder of why I NEED to accomplish the goal I have set.
Make sure you put up your goal somewhere you can see at all times: your walls, computer monitor, planner, mirror or refrigerator.
I like to set it as my phone wallpaper. That way, I am always reminded of it when I use my phone!
The physical aspect of having your goals actually written down helps clarify and strengthen your intentions. It makes it real and tangible, which helps increase your chances of achieving them.
Break it down and create a plan
Trying to tackle one big goal in one shot can be overwhelming and de-motivating.
The best thing to do is to break down your goals into simple and manageable steps which will ultimately lead you to achieve your bigger goal.
The action plan for achieving your ultimate goal should be set up in smaller achievable milestones. By having these small steps and habits in place, it makes it harder for you to give yourself an excuse for not working on your goals.
It will help guarantee progress and avoid procrastination.
What I like to do is to write down my overall goal at the top, and then writing down the small steps I need to take to reach that goal. By crossing each step off when it’s completed, it helps me recognize that I am making progress which motivates me to keep going.
Remember to make each goal (even the small steps) a SMART goal!
Share your goals with others
Although your goals are yours, it may help if you share your goals with others.
You could consider sharing your goals with an accountability partner, your family and friends, or even share your journey on social media!
When things get tough, having the support and encouragement from those following your progress may give you the push you need.
For me, even comments from nay-sayers helps! I turn it into motivational energy to prove that I am capable of achieving what I set out to do! It fuels my passion even more!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
You have to accomplish your goals with absolutely no help at all… SAID NO ONE EVER.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
There is no shame in asking for help or learning more. All successful people do it!
Besides, it may just be the thing that gets you over the line!
Continuously track and assess your progress (may need to change goals)
Don’t think that once you set a goal, it’s set in concrete and you can never change it.
Your priorities, situation, and values may change. It happens!
That’s why it is important to set aside some time every week/month/year to reflect and assess how you are going with your goals.
Which small goals did you achieve, which ones were you close to achieving and which ones just ran flat?
Why did you achieve or didn’t achieve those goals?
Perhaps you need to tweak your goals a little to suit your current situation?
Reaching your goals is a work in progress, so you need to regularly review how you are going.
Anticipate and address roadblocks
When working towards a goal, it will not always go as planned.
You may encounter roadblocks, obstacles and challenges that may try to take you off course.
That’s why it is important to be mentally prepared for them and be ready to face whatever opposition that may come your way.
You need to know that there will always be a solution to a problem, so no matter how tough it gets, you need to keep going.
Reward yourself
It is SO important to reward yourself and celebrate small wins.
It helps you recognize that you did a good job, which will give you the confidence and propel you forward to accomplish more!
Don’t be too caught up with the things you didn’t do, celebrate each accomplishment and move on to the next.
Are you a failure if you don’t achieve your goals?
Absolutely not.
Even successful people experience failure, it’s inevitable!
But what is important is that you remain focused and are willing to improve.
Set realistic goals for yourself and execute actionable plans to accomplish those goals.
It may take a bit of trial and error, but that’s just part of the learning process (and the fun)!
So go on, set some kick ass goals for yourself.
I am confident that you will be able to achieve great things for yourself this year and beyond!