Most of the recognised experts in goal setting agree that the way in which you set your goals determines their effectiveness. There are a number of guidelines which you can use to make your goal setting more effective.
Firstly, you need to make your goals a positive statement. Focus on what it is that you want, not what you don’t want. This may seem like a really obvious statement, however, many of us, without even realising we are doig it, focus on what we don’t want. When we do this we give our energy to the wrong result.
Secondly, be as precise and as specific as you can be when goal setting. Decide on dates and times that you plan on completing your goal. If you are focusing on a money goal, then make sure you state the exact amount you plan on achieving.
Break your goals down into small steps that are believable and achievable. If your goals are too big, you will tend to become discouraged. Setting small achievable steps will have the effect of building momentum and propelling you toward your end goal. Remember the old saying: You can only eat a hamburger one bite at a time and taking big bites only causes indigestion.
Next, be sure and prioritize your goals. Having too many goals is just as bad as having none at all. We can effectively focus on one thing at a time. This doesn’t mean we can’t have multiple goals. This means that it is best to keep the number of goals small and manageable. In this way we can give our attention to one goal at a time and not become overwhelmed.
In goal setting, don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as you go along. This doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Things happen and we often face obstacles we didn’t plan on when working on our goals. Examine how you feel about your goals at that point. If some of them have become no longer important, then drop them and focus on the ones you still want. Be flexible with yourself, but, at the same time, keep your eye on your end result.
One of the most powerful acts in goal setting is writing them down. The very act of writing down your goals supplies a kinesthetic connection to our brains. It helps make our goals believable and achievable. Some goal setting experts advocate writing down your goals every day. This reinforces the goals. Try this and see if it works for you.
Finally, your goal setting and achieving should be fun and enjoyable. If your goals become drudgery, then you need to reexamine them. Effective goal setting should bring joy into your life and make your life an adventure.
With that in mind and to help you I recommend that you take a look at my Personal Goal Setting Workbook and Worksheets set. I want to make it accessible to as many people as possible. So whether it’s Personal Goal Setting or Professional Goal Setting guidance you are looking for – click on one of the links to discover more:
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Hi Paul,
When I’m setting goals, I usually start with my really big goal. From there, I chunk it down into smaller (usually 1 year) goals. This makes it easier for me to work on the current year’s goal by setting task-oriented deadlines.
Oh, and I only ever work on 2 major goals at a time. Any more and I find it takes my focus away, essentially diluting my effectiveness on my most important goals.
Your connection to writing goals down being kinesthetic made me stop and think. You’re right! I hadn’t thought of it that way before.
Great tips Paul.