20 answers
Marie
Student
Geneva, Ohio
35
Questions
Asked
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what is the best way to achieve your goals?
I always have trouble achieving something #time-management
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20 answers
Todd Jurow
Project Manager
27
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Todd’s Answer
Time management is a very common problem, even with people who seem to have it all together. Sometime life and all of it's responsibilities can seem overwhelming, so how do you manage it?
First off, create a list of things that you have to do. Next to each item, give it a number in terms of priority. (Ex. Getting a paper handed in by a deadline is a higher priority than cleaning out your sock drawer.) Once you have everything numbered, put the list in order by those numbers and you now have a priority list. While some people might suggest tackling all of the higher numbered priorities first, that usually proves to be overwhelming. Tackle a high priority item (doing that paper for class) with a lower priority item (cleaning the mud out of your older sneakers) so that you're reducing your list while not over-burdening yourself. I used to call my lower priority items "creative distractions" (CDs for short). I knew that when I couldn't face tackling a big project, I could tackle some CDs so I still was accomplishing something without the stress. I could walk away from the big project for a little while and mow the lawn. Then get back to the big project until I needed another break, so I'd wash the dishes while listening to music. My list got shorter and I wasn't so stressed.
You can do something similar when it comes to achieving goals. Break your main goal down into smaller goals and tackle them like the To Do list. It's up to you to set parameters for yourself, as only you know the time you have available in your day. Just keep moving forward with small and medium sized goals that result in achieving your larger, main goal. Best of luck to you!
First off, create a list of things that you have to do. Next to each item, give it a number in terms of priority. (Ex. Getting a paper handed in by a deadline is a higher priority than cleaning out your sock drawer.) Once you have everything numbered, put the list in order by those numbers and you now have a priority list. While some people might suggest tackling all of the higher numbered priorities first, that usually proves to be overwhelming. Tackle a high priority item (doing that paper for class) with a lower priority item (cleaning the mud out of your older sneakers) so that you're reducing your list while not over-burdening yourself. I used to call my lower priority items "creative distractions" (CDs for short). I knew that when I couldn't face tackling a big project, I could tackle some CDs so I still was accomplishing something without the stress. I could walk away from the big project for a little while and mow the lawn. Then get back to the big project until I needed another break, so I'd wash the dishes while listening to music. My list got shorter and I wasn't so stressed.
You can do something similar when it comes to achieving goals. Break your main goal down into smaller goals and tackle them like the To Do list. It's up to you to set parameters for yourself, as only you know the time you have available in your day. Just keep moving forward with small and medium sized goals that result in achieving your larger, main goal. Best of luck to you!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Marie achieving our goals is seldom easy. It's why knowing how to stay motivated is so incredibly important when it comes to getting what we want in the long run. And in a world with more distractions than ever before — from non-stop web access to constant texting — it's becoming harder to stay focused and productive and not just give in to what's easier that moment.
5 WAYS THAT HELP ME STAY FOCUSED
SET CLEAR GOALS
Review your list of goals each morning and decide—realistically—what tasks you can accomplish that day. This will better your chances of success, it’s a good idea to start with a plan, and write it down. So here’s a 6 step plan for setting clear goals this year, following them should help keep your goals rolling along.
• Be clear and specific with what you want to achieve.
• Break your goals down into steps and reward yourself with something when you reach them.
• Track your progress, I guarantee you'll see improvements at staying on task.
• Be accountable, have a study group or a friend make sure your following through.
• Make sure you have fun, reward your sell every time you achieve a goal.
With each new challenge you succeed in, will make the next one even easier. The thrill and rush of success never wears off Marie. With each accomplishment you’ll increase your appetite for more new and exciting challenges.
WORK IN 60-90-MINUTE BLOCKS
Marie if you try and work for long periods of time, your alertness is going to drop off making you vulnerable to distractions. Scheduling distractions as a reward for productivity can motivate your brain to stay focused. Distractions are not all bad, but you need to make them work for you. Use them as reward for a solid chunk of work. If Facebook and Twitter are your thing, block off time in your schedule to post or browse other people’s updates, and stick to your schedule task. Remember, you control the distractions.
RECOGNIZE YOUR PROGRESS
Everything you may be working on can be easily be split into smaller parts and stages. For most tasks, it is quite natural to split the process of accomplishing them into smaller tasks and milestones. There are a few reasons behind doing this, and one of them is tracking your progress. Tracking is merely taking a note of having reached a certain stage in your process. Recognizing is taking time to look at a bigger picture and realize where exactly you are, and how much more you have left to do.
TURN OFF THE WORLD
Let’s face it, the world is a distracting place, avoid temptation by severing all ties. This includes email, phones, texting or any other interruptions, this might require finding a quiet place away from others so can work or hiding out in your room. If you need to, set up a system for urgent messages to reach you. This doesn’t include meeting your friends for a video game night.
SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR APPROACH
When something doesn’t feel right, it’s always a good time to take a moment and look for a different approach for your task. You could be doing everything same as last time, but the same approach isn’t necessarily the most efficient one this time. Quite often, you may find a number tweaks to your current approach which will both change your experience and open up new possibilities. If a certain approach doesn’t work for you, find another one, and keep trying until you find the one which will both keep you motivated and get you your desired results.
REWARD YOURSELF
This is a task everyone likes: rewarding yourself is going to make your task more pleasant. This is also one of the easiest and at the same time most powerful ways to stay motivated. Right from the beginning, agree on some deliverables which will justify yourself getting rewarded. As soon as you get one of the agreed results, take time to reward yourself in away you enjoy.
5 ADDITIONAL TIPS TO STAY FOCUSED
Get enough sleep the night before
Apply some time-management strategies
Do tasks according to priority
Don’t put pressure on yourself
Avoid negative people
5 WAYS THAT HELP ME STAY FOCUSED
SET CLEAR GOALS
Review your list of goals each morning and decide—realistically—what tasks you can accomplish that day. This will better your chances of success, it’s a good idea to start with a plan, and write it down. So here’s a 6 step plan for setting clear goals this year, following them should help keep your goals rolling along.
• Be clear and specific with what you want to achieve.
• Break your goals down into steps and reward yourself with something when you reach them.
• Track your progress, I guarantee you'll see improvements at staying on task.
• Be accountable, have a study group or a friend make sure your following through.
• Make sure you have fun, reward your sell every time you achieve a goal.
With each new challenge you succeed in, will make the next one even easier. The thrill and rush of success never wears off Marie. With each accomplishment you’ll increase your appetite for more new and exciting challenges.
WORK IN 60-90-MINUTE BLOCKS
Marie if you try and work for long periods of time, your alertness is going to drop off making you vulnerable to distractions. Scheduling distractions as a reward for productivity can motivate your brain to stay focused. Distractions are not all bad, but you need to make them work for you. Use them as reward for a solid chunk of work. If Facebook and Twitter are your thing, block off time in your schedule to post or browse other people’s updates, and stick to your schedule task. Remember, you control the distractions.
RECOGNIZE YOUR PROGRESS
Everything you may be working on can be easily be split into smaller parts and stages. For most tasks, it is quite natural to split the process of accomplishing them into smaller tasks and milestones. There are a few reasons behind doing this, and one of them is tracking your progress. Tracking is merely taking a note of having reached a certain stage in your process. Recognizing is taking time to look at a bigger picture and realize where exactly you are, and how much more you have left to do.
TURN OFF THE WORLD
Let’s face it, the world is a distracting place, avoid temptation by severing all ties. This includes email, phones, texting or any other interruptions, this might require finding a quiet place away from others so can work or hiding out in your room. If you need to, set up a system for urgent messages to reach you. This doesn’t include meeting your friends for a video game night.
SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR APPROACH
When something doesn’t feel right, it’s always a good time to take a moment and look for a different approach for your task. You could be doing everything same as last time, but the same approach isn’t necessarily the most efficient one this time. Quite often, you may find a number tweaks to your current approach which will both change your experience and open up new possibilities. If a certain approach doesn’t work for you, find another one, and keep trying until you find the one which will both keep you motivated and get you your desired results.
REWARD YOURSELF
This is a task everyone likes: rewarding yourself is going to make your task more pleasant. This is also one of the easiest and at the same time most powerful ways to stay motivated. Right from the beginning, agree on some deliverables which will justify yourself getting rewarded. As soon as you get one of the agreed results, take time to reward yourself in away you enjoy.
5 ADDITIONAL TIPS TO STAY FOCUSED
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Zein. “Even if it’s a little thing, do something for those who have need of a man’s help– something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. For, remember, you don’t live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here, too.” – Albert Schweitzer
Doc Frick
Syed Ferdous
Program Manager
100
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Marie,
The best approach is unique to each individual. Here's some best practices you can think about:
1. Document your long-term goals and vision (future type of job, lifestyle, education/training, geographic region, family, etc)
2. Read up on what it takes to get to your destination in life
3. Talk to people who have achieved what you're looking to achieve in different areas of your life
4. Come up with a detailed plan for how to get to your goals
5. Find someone or multiple people to keep you accountable - mentors, friends, family, etc.
6. Adjust to new information and challenges along the way (e.g. the field you're interested in is no longer in demand, how will you react?)
7. Check in with yourself every 3-6 months to see how you're tracking against your goals
8. Celebrate when you achieve minor and major milestones along the way!
9. Always show appreciation and love to those who help you get to where you want to go
The best approach is unique to each individual. Here's some best practices you can think about:
1. Document your long-term goals and vision (future type of job, lifestyle, education/training, geographic region, family, etc)
2. Read up on what it takes to get to your destination in life
3. Talk to people who have achieved what you're looking to achieve in different areas of your life
4. Come up with a detailed plan for how to get to your goals
5. Find someone or multiple people to keep you accountable - mentors, friends, family, etc.
6. Adjust to new information and challenges along the way (e.g. the field you're interested in is no longer in demand, how will you react?)
7. Check in with yourself every 3-6 months to see how you're tracking against your goals
8. Celebrate when you achieve minor and major milestones along the way!
9. Always show appreciation and love to those who help you get to where you want to go
thank you for your help
Marie
Youl Hill
Professional
1
Answer
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Youl’s Answer
The best way to achieve your goals is to make sure you have set realistic goals. Once you have set your mind to achieving something, map out your course of action and analyze the things you can realistically do to help to achieve your goals.
Dave Sweede
Internal Audit
2
Answers
Norfolk, Virginia
Updated
Dave’s Answer
I have been diagnosed with ADD for as long as I can remember. I have a very difficult time achieving anything, usually because I start too many things at once. In order to go to school, graduate, and get a good job in a high demand field, I had to change my habits. Here is a very simplified version of what I did:
1) Determine what I wanted to study, learned the career field, learned the course catalog, and made a list of classes I needed to take to graduate. I crossed each class off as I progressed, SEEING the progress really helped.
2) WEAR THE RESTRAINTS OF YOUR GOAL!!! This means, I could not start anything else, I had to make time to study, I could not hang out with friends whenever I wanted...I had to make this one goal a priority.
3) Celebrate each milestone! I went out with one or two close friends and had dinner out on town to celebrate each semester or any major project that was complete.
Currently, I am about to apply a similar process to sit for the CPA exam (all while being the father to 13 month old twin girls).
It's all about wearing the restraints of your vision. Every decision you make, every day, should be TOWARDS accomplishing your goal, not hindering.
Stay motivated, the fact that you realize you need better time management, means you are on the right track!
Pick ONE goal
Hand write a plan
tape that plan to your mirror
WORK THAT PLAN
1) Determine what I wanted to study, learned the career field, learned the course catalog, and made a list of classes I needed to take to graduate. I crossed each class off as I progressed, SEEING the progress really helped.
2) WEAR THE RESTRAINTS OF YOUR GOAL!!! This means, I could not start anything else, I had to make time to study, I could not hang out with friends whenever I wanted...I had to make this one goal a priority.
3) Celebrate each milestone! I went out with one or two close friends and had dinner out on town to celebrate each semester or any major project that was complete.
Currently, I am about to apply a similar process to sit for the CPA exam (all while being the father to 13 month old twin girls).
It's all about wearing the restraints of your vision. Every decision you make, every day, should be TOWARDS accomplishing your goal, not hindering.
Stay motivated, the fact that you realize you need better time management, means you are on the right track!
Dave recommends the following next steps:
THANK YOU!!!!!
Marie
Abigail Ruiz
Associate - Office Management
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Abigail’s Answer
Start by setting realistic goals. Below are several steps to take to achieve your goals:
1. Set clear goals
2. Write your goals down
3. Set a deadline
4. Visualize your goals
5. Take action
6. Develop self-discipline
7. Get support
8. Stay positive
1. Set clear goals
2. Write your goals down
3. Set a deadline
4. Visualize your goals
5. Take action
6. Develop self-discipline
7. Get support
8. Stay positive
Melanie Deguzman
34
Answers
Harrisburg, North Carolina
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Achieving your goals starts with setting them. Create a few goals that you want to obtain and write them (or type) down. Once you have them set up, think about the steps it will take to get to them. This may be a lengthy process as goals can require a lot of steps. Creating smaller steps is helpful as achieving smaller things will be less overwhelming than doing the whole all at once. Once you have the steps written out, go through them and try to reach your goal.Be aware that there should be room for change as everything does not as expected all the time. If things don't end up perfect the first try, do not worry. The beauty of setting goals is change and adaption. Regardless of anything, it will be extremely useful tone able to adapt and change your goals as many employers not only search for experience, but the ability to adapt and think creatively.
Jason Santero
Business analyst
4
Answers
Murphy, TX
Updated
Jason’s Answer
1- Decide if your goals align with your strengths.
2- Decide if your goals are realistic
3- Plan out your goals and what you need to accomplish each step along the way.
2- Decide if your goals are realistic
3- Plan out your goals and what you need to accomplish each step along the way.
Katelyn Robertson
Account Manager
12
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Katelyn’s Answer
Put that goal all over the place so you do not forget about it. Put it on a sticky note and post it everywhere. I recently landed my dream job and when I was in the process of trying to get it I posted the goal all over my apartment. I told myself in my head over and over again I’m going to get this, I am going to do this. Guess what it happened it!! The mind is a powerful force. If you put your mind and heart into something and make it important it will happen. We make time for the things that are important to us, so make it very important to you by doing what I suggested. You got this!
ErikaLynn Manno, NCIDQ, LEED, COEE
Space Planner
9
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
ErikaLynn’s Answer
Time management is a tough thing to master but it is most certainly achievable. I too had time management issues and a mentor gave me steps to "live by" in order to succeed in managing my time (GOALS, PLAN, FOCUS & EXECUTE). Try this with one task....... then another and so on. Once you get in a rhythm, this will be something you do without thinking about it........
GOALS - write down what you want to achieve so you can have a visual of your plan. It is important to WRITE it and not type on a computer. Start with one goal (for example..... organize your closet)
SET A PLAN - again, write this down in a modified outline form (almost like a check list). Writing it down with a pen on paper has you interacting with your task on a personal level. Set time slots for each item (and set a timer if needed). This will not only keep you on track but will also help you understand the length it takes to complete different tasks.
(for example: 1. Empty all boxes on the top shelf, 2. remove all shirts i do not wear, etc.....)
FOCUS & EXECUTE - what you have written down. Completing and checking off items on your list will give you such a sense of accomplishment while also teaching you how to manage
Practicing this will get you comfortable with the cadence of organizing yourself and your tasks. Doing this enough times will burn it into your head and writing it down will not be necessary.
GOALS - write down what you want to achieve so you can have a visual of your plan. It is important to WRITE it and not type on a computer. Start with one goal (for example..... organize your closet)
SET A PLAN - again, write this down in a modified outline form (almost like a check list). Writing it down with a pen on paper has you interacting with your task on a personal level. Set time slots for each item (and set a timer if needed). This will not only keep you on track but will also help you understand the length it takes to complete different tasks.
(for example: 1. Empty all boxes on the top shelf, 2. remove all shirts i do not wear, etc.....)
FOCUS & EXECUTE - what you have written down. Completing and checking off items on your list will give you such a sense of accomplishment while also teaching you how to manage
Practicing this will get you comfortable with the cadence of organizing yourself and your tasks. Doing this enough times will burn it into your head and writing it down will not be necessary.
thank you your awesome
Marie
Stacey Williams
Relationship Specialist II
10
Answers
Chesapeake, Virginia
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
Use the SMART goals method.
1."S" stands for specific. Make your goal or objective as specific as possible.
2."M" stands for measurable. Include a unit of measure in your goal.
3."A" stands for achievable.
4."R" stands for realistic.
5."T" stands for time-bound.
1."S" stands for specific. Make your goal or objective as specific as possible.
2."M" stands for measurable. Include a unit of measure in your goal.
3."A" stands for achievable.
4."R" stands for realistic.
5."T" stands for time-bound.
Terry Pritchett
2
Answers
Updated
Terry’s Answer
The best way to achieve your goals is to break it down into small increments, so that every little accomplishment is an "achievement!" Even writing your goals down is an achievement! When you write down your goals, then you can start planning them, the more you plan, the more you achieve. Never give up! You can always modify or change your goals, but never give up. You'll be surprised how much you can achieve. Hope that helps!
Michael Shapiro
Analyst
1
Answer
Surprise, Arizona
Updated
Michael’s Answer
First off write your goals down. Ask yourself why you want to achieve those goals in the first place. Make sure they are something you truly want, for the right reasons.
Set your biggest goals first and write them down somewhere you will see them every day. Each morning, look at the goals and write out a plan that of anything you can do that day to move you closer. Do that and nothing else. Realize that what not to do is as important as what to do.
Figure out what is distracting you and what you need to block out in order to focus. We have information overload and endless priorities these days that are not priorities in the true sense. Focus on the big ticket items and block out everything else.
See this highly recommended easy read/listen: https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy-ebook/dp/B005P1YCNK
Set your biggest goals first and write them down somewhere you will see them every day. Each morning, look at the goals and write out a plan that of anything you can do that day to move you closer. Do that and nothing else. Realize that what not to do is as important as what to do.
Figure out what is distracting you and what you need to block out in order to focus. We have information overload and endless priorities these days that are not priorities in the true sense. Focus on the big ticket items and block out everything else.
See this highly recommended easy read/listen: https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy-ebook/dp/B005P1YCNK
Zein Kraus
Talent Acquisition Business Partner / Recruiter
11
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Zein’s Answer
Write down your goals and steps to achieve the goals (be realistic with timelines). Its also helps to tell someone about them to cheer you on! You can do it!
Jessica Bennet
Field services specialist
4
Answers
Carrollton, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I agree with several of the previous answers to your question. Just know that this is a struggle that many people have to deal with. I think the best solution is to make a list of your goals and prioritize them. Figure out what you need to achieve them and set timeframes that you would like to meet. I think sharing this list and timeframe with family and friends would help keep you accountable and on track.
Minzhi Wang
Financial Engineer
1
Answer
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Minzhi’s Answer
1. Set a strategic and emotion-driven goal.
2. Identify steps and make a plan, one or two actions each week and focus on doing small things every day.
3. Visualize yourself reaching your goal, including the process and work it will take to get there.
4. Write yourself a letter, dated with the target date, describing desired outcome by that day.
5. Take action every day.
6. Tell your family and friends.
7. Plan for setbacks, have a contingency plan for when things go wrong.
8. Review your goal and evaluate your progress every week.
2. Identify steps and make a plan, one or two actions each week and focus on doing small things every day.
3. Visualize yourself reaching your goal, including the process and work it will take to get there.
4. Write yourself a letter, dated with the target date, describing desired outcome by that day.
5. Take action every day.
6. Tell your family and friends.
7. Plan for setbacks, have a contingency plan for when things go wrong.
8. Review your goal and evaluate your progress every week.
DaMone Daniel
Analyst
2
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
DaMone’s Answer
First write down your goals. Prioritize your goals in two areas, one is short term and other is long term. Make sure your goals are realistic and obtainable. Give yourself room to grow with your goals. If you miss your deadline for your goal start over and try again.
Riley Carr
Business Analyst
179
Answers
Hollywood, Florida
Updated
Riley’s Answer
What I have found over the years is that planning is everything. If you sit down at the beginning of each week and look at everything that must be accomplished over the week in order to achieve your goals, it is easy to see when you will have free time and where it is best to fit in your time to be productive. By making a schedule like this and sticking to it, you will always complete your tasks without ever feeling overwhelmed.
Aditi Agarwal
Technical Recruiter
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
I struggle with the same thing and the thing that helps me the most get to my goal is-
Setting small goals (or breaking up your big goal into parts) to get to the final goal.
Every small goal achieved feels like a win and keeps me going and motivated to get to the next.
Good Luck!
Setting small goals (or breaking up your big goal into parts) to get to the final goal.
Every small goal achieved feels like a win and keeps me going and motivated to get to the next.
Good Luck!
Sunitha V
Technician,Technical Support
23
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sunitha’s Answer
Here are five goal setting tips that I have used which will help you to join the 8 percent of people who achieve their goals.
Aim High, But Start Low, Celebrate and Keep Going.
Don't Let Others Set The Goals For You.
Be Clear What Success Looks Look.
Understand Why This Goal Is Important.
Track Your Performance.
The Five Golden Rules
1. Set Goals That Motivate You
When you set goals for yourself, it is important that they motivate you: this means making sure that they are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. If you have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the larger picture, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them happen are slim. Motivation is key to achieving goals.
Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. Without this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to feel a sense of urgency and have an "I must do this" attitude. When you don't have this, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you feeling disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are de-motivating. And you can end up in a very destructive "I can't do anything or be successful at anything" frame of mind.
2. Set SMART Goals
You have probably heard of SMART goals already. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:
Specific.
Measurable.
Attainable.
Relevant.
Time Bound.
Set Specific Goals
Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.
Set Measurable Goals
Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as "To reduce expenses" how will you know when you have been successful? In one month's time if you have a 1 percent reduction or in two years' time when you have a 10 percent reduction? Without a way to measure your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.
Set Attainable Goals
Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.
However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn't have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of goals that require you to "raise the bar" and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.
Set Relevant Goals
Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you'll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you'll fritter your time – and your life – away.
Set Time-Bound Goals
Your goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.
3. Set Goals in Writing
The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write, use the word "will" instead of "would like to" or "might." For example, "I will reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year," not "I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year." The first goal statement has power and you can "see" yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an excuse if you get sidetracked.
Tip 1:
Frame your goal statement positively. If you want to improve your retention rates say, "I will hold on to all existing employees for the next quarter" rather than "I will reduce employee turnover." The first one is motivating; the second one still has a get-out clause "allowing" you to succeed even if some employees leave.
Tip 2:
If you use a To-Do List , make yourself a To-Do List template that has your goals at the top of it. If you use an Action Program , then your goals should be at the top of your Project Catalog.
Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder.
4. Make an Action Plan
This step is often missed in the process of goal setting. You get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as you complete it, you'll realize that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. This is especially important if your goal is big and demanding, or long-term. Read our article on Action Plans for more on how to do this.
5. Stick With It!
Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity, not just a means to an end. Build in reminders to keep yourself on track, and make regular time-slots available to review your goals. Your end destination may remain quite similar over the long term, but the action plan you set for yourself along the way can change significantly. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high.
Key Points
Goal setting is much more than simply saying you want something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want and understand why you want it the first place, your odds of success are considerably reduced. By following the Five Golden Rules of Goal Setting you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.
So, what will you decide to accomplish today?
Aim High, But Start Low, Celebrate and Keep Going.
Don't Let Others Set The Goals For You.
Be Clear What Success Looks Look.
Understand Why This Goal Is Important.
Track Your Performance.
The Five Golden Rules
1. Set Goals That Motivate You
When you set goals for yourself, it is important that they motivate you: this means making sure that they are important to you, and that there is value in achieving them. If you have little interest in the outcome, or they are irrelevant given the larger picture, then the chances of you putting in the work to make them happen are slim. Motivation is key to achieving goals.
Set goals that relate to the high priorities in your life. Without this type of focus, you can end up with far too many goals, leaving you too little time to devote to each one. Goal achievement requires commitment, so to maximize the likelihood of success, you need to feel a sense of urgency and have an "I must do this" attitude. When you don't have this, you risk putting off what you need to do to make the goal a reality. This in turn leaves you feeling disappointed and frustrated with yourself, both of which are de-motivating. And you can end up in a very destructive "I can't do anything or be successful at anything" frame of mind.
2. Set SMART Goals
You have probably heard of SMART goals already. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:
Specific.
Measurable.
Attainable.
Relevant.
Time Bound.
Set Specific Goals
Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don't provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.
Set Measurable Goals
Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as "To reduce expenses" how will you know when you have been successful? In one month's time if you have a 1 percent reduction or in two years' time when you have a 10 percent reduction? Without a way to measure your success you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.
Set Attainable Goals
Make sure that it's possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.
However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn't have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of goals that require you to "raise the bar" and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.
Set Relevant Goals
Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you'll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you'll fritter your time – and your life – away.
Set Time-Bound Goals
Your goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.
3. Set Goals in Writing
The physical act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. You have no excuse for forgetting about it. As you write, use the word "will" instead of "would like to" or "might." For example, "I will reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year," not "I would like to reduce my operating expenses by 10 percent this year." The first goal statement has power and you can "see" yourself reducing expenses, the second lacks passion and gives you an excuse if you get sidetracked.
Tip 1:
Frame your goal statement positively. If you want to improve your retention rates say, "I will hold on to all existing employees for the next quarter" rather than "I will reduce employee turnover." The first one is motivating; the second one still has a get-out clause "allowing" you to succeed even if some employees leave.
Tip 2:
If you use a To-Do List , make yourself a To-Do List template that has your goals at the top of it. If you use an Action Program , then your goals should be at the top of your Project Catalog.
Post your goals in visible places to remind yourself every day of what it is you intend to do. Put them on your walls, desk, computer monitor, bathroom mirror or refrigerator as a constant reminder.
4. Make an Action Plan
This step is often missed in the process of goal setting. You get so focused on the outcome that you forget to plan all of the steps that are needed along the way. By writing out the individual steps, and then crossing each one off as you complete it, you'll realize that you are making progress towards your ultimate goal. This is especially important if your goal is big and demanding, or long-term. Read our article on Action Plans for more on how to do this.
5. Stick With It!
Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity, not just a means to an end. Build in reminders to keep yourself on track, and make regular time-slots available to review your goals. Your end destination may remain quite similar over the long term, but the action plan you set for yourself along the way can change significantly. Make sure the relevance, value, and necessity remain high.
Key Points
Goal setting is much more than simply saying you want something to happen. Unless you clearly define exactly what you want and understand why you want it the first place, your odds of success are considerably reduced. By following the Five Golden Rules of Goal Setting you can set goals with confidence and enjoy the satisfaction that comes along with knowing you achieved what you set out to do.
So, what will you decide to accomplish today?